Serena Williams reveals 31-pound weight loss tied to GLP-1 drug at NikeSKIMS launch

Serena Williams disclosed that she shed 31 pounds in eight months after using the GLP-1 drug Zepbound, a treatment she obtained through her role as an investor and ambassador for the telehealth company Ro. In a Vogue interview released ahead of public appearances, the former tennis star said she understands why some people stigmatize GLP-1 medications but stressed that using them can be a legitimate part of a broader weight-management effort. Williams said she was already putting in work in the gym and in her diet, but that the medication helped her reach a level she had not achieved through willpower alone, adding that she feels lighter mentally, more confident and, she says, “sexier.” The remarks come as Williams continues to balance high-profile partnerships with personal fitness goals.

Williams appeared at the Nike SKIMS launch, held at Nike House of Innovation in Midtown Manhattan on Wednesday, where she showcased her weight-loss journey in a stylish, boudoir-inspired outfit. She wore an animal-print teddy over black leggings, topped with a matching blazer and pumps selected by stylist Kesha McLeod. The 43-year-old former athlete, who has 39.6 million followers on social media, drew attention to the event and its collaborative fashion moment with Nike and SKIMS. Inside the event, Williams was seen admiring a large poster featuring her modeling in the NikeSKIMS campaign and telling attendees, “Nike gave me the wings, SKIMS gave me the fit — together, they gave us a moment,” a line she delivered to reporters and on social media.

GLP-1 medications remain a topic of public discussion in the context of weight management. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved three GLP-1 drugs specifically for weight loss: Wegovy (semaglutide), Saxenda (liraglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide). Other GLP-1 therapies are approved for type 2 diabetes. Williams’ reflections align with a broader conversation about how celebrities and others navigate treatment options for weight loss, with some figures discussing their use openly and others remaining quiet.

The conversation around GLP-1s spans a wide range of experiences. Williams has joined other public figures who have discussed the use of weight-loss medications, noting that there is a stigma attached to seeking medical help for weight management. She emphasized that her decision was personal and that different people have different paths to their goals. Williams also highlighted the importance of feeling good in one’s body and mind, noting improvements in motivation and confidence that can accompany lifestyle changes, alongside medical treatment.

Beyond the fashion moment, Williams has continued to expand her presence as an influencer and media creator. She recently launched Stockton Street, a bi-monthly podcast on X Originals with her sister Venus Williams, described as an ode to their upbringing in Compton. Her public profile as an athlete-turned-entrepreneur has included partnerships with brands such as Ritual, Audemars Piguet and Beatbot, underscoring a broader strategy that blends sport, fashion and media. Williams and her husband, Alexis Ohanian, also remain active in family life, as they raise their two daughters, Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. and Adira.

The NikeSKIMS event underscored Williams’ ongoing role as a high-profile spokesperson and fashion participant, with attendees including Kim Kardashian and Teyana Taylor. The appearance also showcased the synergy between Williams’ athletic brand associations and her fashion ventures, reinforcing her status as a global figure who moves through sport, style and social media with a unified public narrative.