Serena Williams Returns to Tennis, Advocates GLP-1s for Health Benefits

Serena Williams is making a notable return to tennis, fueled by her endorsement of GLP-1s for weight loss and improved mobility. The tennis icon credits these medications for her enhanced agility and overall health, following a significant weight loss after her second child’s birth in 2023.

In a Super Bowl ad for Ro, a telehealth company, Williams shared, “I’m moving better on Ro.” Her husband, Alexis Ohanian, a major investor, sits on the company’s board.

Williams highlights the benefits of GLP-1s, noting steadier blood sugar levels and improved health. GLP-1s, or glucagon-like peptide-1s, have gained popularity among those looking to trim fat, control inflammation, and enhance athletic performance.

Serena Williams said she lost 34 pounds on GLP-1 drugs from Ro. Her husband was an early investor in the telehealth company.
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Peptides, including GLP-1s, are essential for muscle building and hormone regulation. They are favored by gym enthusiasts and athletes for their potential in muscle recovery and weight loss. However, Williams emphasizes using GLP-1s for health optimization rather than as performance-enhancing drugs.

Dr. Nima Afshar, a concierge doctor in San Francisco, notes a growing trend among patients using GLP-1s to tackle visceral fat and improve longevity. Visceral fat, when excessive, can lead to chronic diseases. Afshar uses several clinical measurements, including InBody scans and bloodwork, to determine the suitability of GLP-1s for patients.

GLP-1s target dangerous belly fat

Too much visceral fat, the kind that hugs internal organs like the liver and kidneys, can increase your risk of developing chronic diseases, including Type 2 diabetes and obesity.
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Afshar advises patients to increase protein intake and physical activity when on GLP-1s to preserve muscle mass while losing fat. Some insurers now require patients to follow exercise and nutrition programs to access these medications. Dr. Mitch Biermann of Scripps Health observes a shift towards addressing body composition holistically.

Bodybuilders and athletes are using peptides to get an edge

Williams at her last professional tennis game, during the US Open, in 2022.
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Bodybuilders and athletes are increasingly turning to GLP-1 drugs for competitive advantage. Pat Davidson, a bodybuilder, uses an unreleased GLP-1 drug to cut fat without losing muscle. He reports significant weight loss while maintaining strength, reflecting a broader trend of using peptides for fitness optimization.

Bodybuilders are increasingly turning to grey market peptide sellers, including some who promise to deliver GLP-1s that have not yet been approved by the FDA.
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While some, like Davidson, venture into non-medically supervised peptide use, doctors strongly advise against it. Williams, however, uses GLP-1s for approved health purposes, underscoring the drugs’ potential beyond treating chronic diseases.