Serena Williams is keeping it real about her postpartum weight struggles—and how she finally found a solution. In a candid interview with PEOPLE, the tennis legend revealed she lost 31 pounds using weight loss medication, helping her feel “light physically and light mentally.”
“I feel great. I feel really good and healthy,” Williams told PEOPLE.
Postpartum Struggles After Motherhood
Williams first noticed challenges after the birth of her daughter, Alexis Olympia, in 2017.
“I never was able to get to the weight I needed to be no matter what I did, no matter how much I trained,” she admitted. “It was crazy because I’d never been in a place like that in my life where I worked so hard, ate so healthy, and could never get down to where I needed to be at.”
Even as one of the world’s most elite athletes, Williams struggled with frustration over her body’s response despite her rigorous training and disciplined diet.
“I had never taken shortcuts in my career and always worked really hard. I know what it takes to be the best,” she explained. “So it was very frustrating to do all the same things and never be able to change that number on the scale or the way my body looked.”
Weight Challenges After Second Daughter
Williams faced similar hurdles after welcoming her second daughter, Adira River, in August 2023. While she was able to lose a significant amount of weight in the first two weeks, progress stalled soon after.
“I never lost another pound,” she recalled. “I just thought, gosh, I don’t know if I would ever be able to get back to where I needed to get to.”
Turning to GLP-1 Medication
Determined to find a solution, Williams researched GLP-1 medication before trying it herself.
“I did a lot of research on it. I was like, ‘Is this a shortcut? What are the benefits? What are not the benefits?’ I really wanted to dive into it before I just did it,” she explained.
The results? 31 pounds lighter and feeling healthier than ever, a milestone that’s helped her reclaim confidence and energy both on and off the court.
Serena’s Message to Fans
Williams’ openness about her journey is more than a fitness update—it’s an inspiring glimpse into postpartum struggles faced by mothers everywhere, even world-class athletes.
“I feel light physically and light mentally,” she said. “It’s not just about the weight. It’s about feeling good in your own skin and finding solutions that work for you.”
Her story underscores the importance of research, patience, and self-care, reminding fans that even the strongest athletes sometimes need a little extra help to reach their goals.
What do you think about Serena’s weight loss journey? Share your thoughts below and stay tuned for more updates on her health and fitness journey!
