Serena Williams reveals 31-pound weight loss after GLP-1 treatment at NikeSKIMS launch

Serena Williams revealed she shed about 31 pounds in eight months after using the GLP-1 drug Zepbound, a result she discussed as she supported Kim Kardashian at the NikeSKIMS launch in New York. The event, held at Nike House of Innovation in Midtown Manhattan on Wednesday, brought together fashion and fitness branding as Williams showcased a dramatic change in her physique.

The 43-year-old retired tennis star arrived in an animal-print teddy worn over black leggings, paired with a matching blazer and pumps selected by stylist Kesha McLeod. Williams, who has 39.6 million followers on social media, has been public about her decision to pursue a GLP-1–based weight management approach through her new role as investor and ambassador for Ro, a telehealth company. She described the program as part of her broader effort to regain control of her fitness journey while balancing a demanding public profile.

In Vogue discussions, Williams acknowledged the stigma around GLP-1 therapies, saying that some people call it lazy or say you don’t need it. She added that from her experience the option can be a legitimate aid and that she chose to use it and is happy with the result. I feel lighter mentally, I feel sexier, I feel more confident, she said.

The FDA currently approves three GLP-1 drugs for weight loss: semaglutide under the brand Wegovy, liraglutide under Saxenda, and tirzepatide under Zepbound. The rest of the GLP-1 class is approved for type 2 diabetes. Celebrities who have spoken about using these therapies span a wide range, from Oprah Winfrey to Rebel Wilson and Kelly Clarkson, while many others have remained quiet about their experiences. Williams has framed her openness as a way to demystify the medications and empower others to explore their options with medical guidance.

At the NikeSKIMS launch, Williams mingled with Kim Kardashian, founder of SKIMS, and fellow star Teyana Taylor. The event underscored the collaboration between Nike and SKIMS, with Williams describing the moment as part of a larger lifestyle pivot that blends athletic performance wear with fashion-forward design. Nike gave me the wings, SKIMS gave me the fit — together, they gave us a moment, she said. I feel unstoppable when I’m training in NikeSKIMS.

Beyond the party circuit, Williams has pursued media and business ventures that bolster her public profile. She recently launched Stockton Street, a bi-monthly podcast on X Originals with her sister Venus Williams, described as an ode to their childhood home in Compton. The tennis star has also cultivated partnerships with Ritual, Audemars Piguet and Beatbot, illustrating a broader strategy to leverage her platform across health, fashion and technology.

On the personal front, Williams and her husband, Alexis Ohanian, are approaching eight years of marriage. The couple, who married in 2016, are parents to two daughters, Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. and Adira. As Williams expands her businesses and public-facing roles, she has positioned herself as a relatable voice on health and fitness—one who acknowledges that modern tools can help people pursue goals in a way that works for their lives.

Health experts caution that GLP-1 therapies are prescription medications with potential side effects and are not a one-size-fits-all solution. They emphasize the importance of medical supervision and individualized treatment plans. The ongoing discussion around weight management continues to evolve as more people consider the role of pharmacotherapy in achieving healthier outcomes, alongside diet, exercise and behavioral changes.

The NikeSKIMS moment reflects a broader trend of athletes and celebrities navigating health tools within a public-facing lifestyle, showing how performance wear and fashion can intersect with personal health decisions. For Williams, the narrative remains practical and personal: she pursued a path that helped her feel stronger, more confident and able to perform at her best, on and off the court.