The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. If you have questions about your health, speak to your GP or specialist.
On 11th July 2025 a post of Serena Williams physical transformation and weight loss hit everyone’s timelines sparking speculation about how she lost 31 lbs (14kg) and why she wanted to lose a significant amount of weight. It was on 21st August 2025 where Serena clarified the rumours appearing on TODAY, advising why she used GLP-1 medication to lose weight.
Note: Reposting this video is not an endorsement of opinions, advice or products mentioned.
“After having my first kid, Olympia and particularly after the second child, I was never able to be at a healthy weight” – Serena Williams
Her admission has conjured up mixed reactions from the public who respect her transparency to others expressing concerns about the optics of a professional athlete well acquainted with rigorous training and nutrition programmes resorting to GLP-1 medication to assist with weight loss. In the interview with TODAY, Serena also said,
“I literally tried everything, running, walking, biking, stairclimber. You name it, I did it. I don’t want to do this [use GLP-1 medication] because it is a shortcut or it is like a quick way out, because it actually isn’t” – Serena Williams
Here at Cultured Health Partners, we believe in educating and empowering, but also approaching sensitive conversations with care. So, to start this blog, we want to reflect on how the media has spoken about Serena’s body for decades—often in ways that were hurtful and unfair. Many of us first met Serena and Venus Williams back in 1997: two teenage girls with braids, beads, and braces, playing tennis with joy and determination, guided by their father on the courts of Compton. They weren’t just competing—they were simply “having fun and playing tennis”.
Serena Williams’ Physique: Longstanding Commentary and Public Perception
Throughout her career, Serena Williams has been subjected to disparaging comments about her physique. In 2009, Jason Whitlock wrote in a now rescinded Fox News article stating, “She would rather eat, half-ass her way through non-major tournaments and complain”. In 2015, the New York Times published an article on the body image issues facing female athletes, stressing Serena Williams’ athletic build and her large size compared to white female athletes. In an article from the Washington Times in 2015 on Serena Williams likelihood to win future Grand Slams, Synder wrote commentary on how the media portrays Serena Williams, “She is too black, too strong. Too big, too loud. Too masculine, too volatile” – Deron Synder.
The article goes onto highlight how proud Serena was of her muscular and toned physique and criticises the bodyshamers. Just like all women, there have been times when she has felt less confident in her body, speaking to the New York Times,
“I don’t touch a weight, because I’m already super fit and super cut, and if I even look at weights, I get bigger. For years I’ve only done Thera-Bands and things like that, because that’s kind of how I felt. But then I realized that you really have to learn to accept who you are and love who you are. I’m really happy with my body type, and I’m really proud of it. Obviously, it works out for me. I talk about it all the time, how it was uncomfortable for someone like me to be in my body.” – Serena Williams
However, social media is littered with feckless comments calling her “a man”, “gorilla” and an “ape”. Even mainstream media caricatures dehumanise, objectify and make animalistic comparisons. A younger Serena Williams shortly after her and Venus Williams broke onto the scene during an interview with World Sports TV, Serena spoke about her experience dealing with the media where she said, “I don’t go in public making inane statements like some people like to do, at times. And because you know, when you make statements it just presents who you are and I am just not that way. I only have positive things to say because that’s just who I am”.
Now let’s bring it to the present day, and now Serena has taken the lead in discussions about her body, physique and shape – it has been met with mixed reactions from outrage to admiration. It is a fact, Serena Williams has been bodyshamed her entire career. I find myself asking irrespective of her reasons, how can we be surprised that Serena has chosen to become slimmer? Whilst, the ambition is personal and valid, it is the method that Serena has chosen that has sparked controversy, she admitted she has used GLP-1 medication.
What is GLP-1 medication?
GLP-1 medications, or glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, are treatments originally developed to help people manage type 2 diabetes. They work by mimicking a natural hormone that plays a role in regulating blood sugar, slowing digestion, and reducing appetite. In recent years, they’ve also been used to support weight management. As they modify how the body processes sugar in a significant way, GLP-1s must be prescribed by a healthcare provider. It’s also important to recognise that access and experiences with these treatments can vary across different communities, so conversations about them should always consider cultural, social, and economic factors.
What are some of the risks associated with GLP-1 medication?
GLP-1 medications can be effective, but they also come with risks. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, and sometimes dehydration, especially when starting or adjusting doses. More serious but less common issues include gallbladder problems and acute pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). The Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has also highlighted safety concerns during surgery, since GLP-1s slow digestion and can increase the risk of food entering the lungs under anaesthetic. For people of childbearing potential, contraception is advised during treatment and for a period afterwards, as the safety in pregnancy isn’t clear and these drugs may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. While some people have reported mood changes, the MHRA found no clear evidence linking GLP-1s to suicidal thoughts, though monitoring continues.
How accurate is body mass index (BMI)?
BMI (Body Mass Index) is a common tool for assessing weight, but it isn’t always accurate for everyone—especially across different ethnic groups. For Black people, BMI may overestimate health risks due to typically higher muscle mass and bone density, which can raise BMI without reflecting excess body fat. On the other hand, people of Asian descent often have higher body fat at lower BMIs, meaning health risks like diabetes can appear at lower weight levels. In fact, the World Health Organization recommends lower BMI thresholds for Asian populations. While BMI tends to be more accurate for white individuals, it still doesn’t account for fat distribution or muscle mass. Overall, BMI can be a helpful guide, but it should be considered alongside other measures—like waist size, body fat percentage, and lifestyle—for a more complete picture of health. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice.
How can you safely lose weight?
If you want to lose weight, you should find out if you can access a Free Weight Management Programme via your GP. You can also download the free NHS Weight Loss Plan app which helps you set weight loss goals, plan your meals, make healthier choices, get more active and burn more calories. Your local GP also offer access to local weight management services, including dietitians and group support sessions. Start by focusing on a balanced diet – eating more whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, while cutting back on processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive portion sizes. Combine this with regular physical activity, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. Rather than focusing on fad diets, lifestyle changes like balanced eating, regular physical activity, and realistic goal-setting can help you lose weight safely. If you’re unsure where to start, speaking to a healthcare professional can help you create a safe and effective weight loss plan tailored to your needs.
What questions can I ask my health provider if I am concerned about my weight?
- What is a healthy weight for me?
- Could health conditions or medications be affecting my weight?
- What safe strategies can I use to lose weight?
- Are NHS weight management services right for me?
- How can I make lifestyle changes that fit my culture and routine?
- Are there risks with weight loss diets, supplements, or medications?
- How should I track progress without focusing only on the scale?
The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. If you have questions about your health, speak to your GP or specialist.
culturedhealthpartners.co.uk 
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