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Serena Promotes Weight Loss Drug, Sparks Backlash
9 Feb
Summary
- Serena Williams advertised weight loss drug Ro during Super Bowl.
- Fans criticize her endorsement of GLP-1 medication.
- Williams claims drug aided her post-career body transformation.
Tennis icon Serena Williams generated significant controversy by featuring in a Super Bowl advertisement promoting GLP-1 weight loss drugs. The ad showcased Williams injecting the medication and using Ro's mobile app, which is introducing a pill form. Williams, who partnered with Ro last year, stated she lost over 31 pounds and experienced benefits like reduced knee joint stress and steadied blood sugar levels.
Williams revealed in August 2025 that she began using the weight loss drug in 2024 after struggling to regain her pre-pregnancy weight following the birth of her second child. She expressed frustration with not being able to achieve her desired weight despite rigorous training and healthy eating. Her husband, Alexis Ohanian, is an investor in Ro and serves on its board.
The endorsement has drawn sharp criticism from fans who viewed it as promoting unhealthy shortcuts, especially given Williams' history as a disciplined athlete. Social media reactions ranged from disgust to disappointment, with many expressing shock that the tennis legend was promoting weight loss injections during a high-profile event like the Super Bowl.
