Is Serena Williams on Ozempic, Zepbound, or Any Other Weight-Loss Drug?
The 23-time Grand Slam champion says she does use a prescription GLP-1 injection, and entertainment outlets name it as tirzepatide (Zepbound). Here’s what that means for everyday people.
Serena Williams has publicly confirmed that she uses a once-weekly GLP-1 weight-loss injection and has lost a little over 30 pounds with it. Multiple outlets—including TMZ and BET—report the drug is tirzepatide, sold for weight management as Zepbound. Williams has not disclosed the exact brand herself, but she says the medication helped her drop stubborn postpartum weight when diet and training alone stalled. No evidence suggests she used weight-loss drugs during her tennis career, and experts stress that anyone considering a similar therapy should consult a licensed clinician first.
- Serena Williams told several media outlets in 2025–2026 that she achieved a 31–34 lb weight loss with a GLP-1 injection. [tmz.com]
- Entertainment reporters identify the medication as tirzepatide (brand name Zepbound), a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for chronic weight management. [tmz.com]
- GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound lower appetite, slow stomach emptying, and improve insulin action to support sustained weight loss.
- The average person in clinical trials loses roughly 15% of starting weight with semaglutide and up to 22% with tirzepatide after 68–72 weeks. [pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
- These medications are intended for adults with obesity (BMI ≥ 30) or overweight (BMI ≥ 27) plus a weight-related condition—and they require lifestyle changes for best results.
- Most patients experience mild nausea or constipation; severe side effects like pancreatitis are uncommon but mandate prompt medical attention.
What Williams Has (and Hasn’t) Said About Her Weight-Loss Drug
Serena Williams has confirmed using a prescription GLP-1 shot but has not officially named the product. In August 2025 she told Vogue she turned to the medication after plateauing despite intense workouts. TMZ later reported she “takes Zepbound,” and a January 2026 BET feature quoted her saying she feels “healthier” than during her playing years thanks to the drug. [tmz.com]
No evidence points to use during her pro career. The injections received FDA approval for obesity only in 2021 (semaglutide) and 2023 (tirzepatide), long after Williams’ peak seasons. Her on-court fitness relied on rigorous training, nutrition, and sports-science guidance.
Key takeaways from her interviews:
- She began injections after the birth of her second child in 2023.
- She reports losing “about 34 lbs” over roughly 12 months.
- She continues high-intensity training and plant-forward eating.
- She encourages women to seek medical advice rather than feel shame.
How GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drugs Work
GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic gut hormones that signal fullness to the brain and slow stomach emptying. Tirzepatide also activates the GIP receptor, producing even greater metabolic effects.
Mechanisms at a glance:
- Appetite suppression: Increased satiety signals reduce caloric intake by 20–30% on average.
- Delayed gastric emptying: Food stays in the stomach longer, smoothing post-meal glucose spikes.
- Improved insulin sensitivity: Better glucose control lowers fat storage and cravings.
Clinical trials such as STEP-1 for semaglutide and SURMOUNT-1 for tirzepatide demonstrate double-digit percentage weight loss at 68–72 weeks. [pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov] For deeper science, see our GLP-1 weight-loss explainer.
Why Elite Athletes Rarely Need Prescription Weight-Loss Drugs
Professional athletes typically meet strict body-composition goals through training and diet alone. Anti-doping rules also complicate prescription use; while GLP-1s are not currently banned, they could raise fairness concerns.[theatlantic.com]
Williams’ situation differs: she adopted the medication after retirement and postpartum, aligning with FDA indications.
How Tirzepatide, Semaglutide, and Liraglutide Compare
Tirzepatide delivers the greatest average weight reduction but is newest and sometimes pricier. Semaglutide offers robust data and weekly dosing, while daily liraglutide yields modest results but may suit those intolerant of stronger agents.
| Drug (link) | Average % Weight Loss (72 wks) | Dose Schedule | FDA Approval Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wegovy (semaglutide) | 15% | Weekly | 2021 |
| Mounjaro (tirzepatide) * | 22% | Weekly | 2023 |
| Zepbound (tirzepatide) * | 22% | Weekly | 2023 |
| Victoza (liraglutide) | 8% | Daily | 2014 |
*Same active ingredient; Zepbound is branded specifically for weight management.
| Retail 4-Week Cost | With Rx.com Discount Card | Savings |
|---|---|---|
| $1,236 | $879 | $357 |
| $1,023 | $742 | $281 |
Use Rx.com to compare prices—most patients pay $880 or less per month with a free discount card.
Want Expert Weight-Loss Guidance?
Connect with a licensed provider online and learn whether a GLP-1 is right for you.
Evidence-Based Ways to Lose Weight Safely—With or Without Medication
The foundation of any sustainable plan remains nutrition, movement, and sleep. GLP-1s enhance—not replace—these pillars.
Meal size and timing: High-protein, high-fiber meals every 4–5 hours improve fullness.
Progressive resistance training: Two to three sessions weekly preserve lean mass during calorie deficits.
Cardio variety: Combining steady-state and HIIT burns extra 150–250 kcal per day.
For plateau tips, see our plateau-breaking guide.
Should You Ask Your Doctor About a GLP-1?
Do GLP-1 shots fit your health goals?
Check the column that fits your situation:
✅ Likely a Good Fit
- BMI ≥ 30 or BMI ≥ 27 with hypertension, sleep apnea, or high cholesterol
- Tried structured diet and exercise for ≥6 months without >5% loss
- No personal/family history of medullary thyroid cancer
- Comfortable with self-injection and regular lab work
🏥 See a Doctor First
- History of pancreatitis or gallstones
- Currently pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy
- Severe gastrointestinal disease (e.g., gastroparesis)
- Taking multiple medications with hypoglycemia risk
🚨 When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Severe or persistent abdominal pain — could signal pancreatitis.
- Yellowing of skin or eyes — possible gallbladder issues.
- Repeated vomiting — risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
- Difficulty swallowing or hoarseness — rare thyroid concerns.
- Signs of low blood sugar — dizziness, confusion, sweating.
- Sudden vision changes — report promptly, especially if diabetic.
- Allergic reaction — rash, swelling, or trouble breathing.
Scientific References
- Jastreboff AM, et al. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. New Engl J Med, 2022.
- Singh GK, Wegovy (semaglutide): A New Drug for Chronic Weight Management. Cureus, 2021.
- TMZ Staff. Serena Williams Reveals She's Taking Weight Loss Drug Zepbound. TMZ, Aug 21 2025.
- BET News. Serena Williams Says She’s ‘Healthiest’ After GLP-1s. BET, Jan 29 2026.
- Mazer B. Are GLP-1s Performance-Enhancing Drugs? The Atlantic, June 20 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What weight-loss drug is Serena Williams on?
Entertainment outlets report she uses tirzepatide marketed as Zepbound, a weekly GLP-1/GIP injection approved for chronic weight management. Williams herself has only confirmed using “a GLP-1,” not the specific brand. [tmz.com]
What does Serena Williams take for weight loss?
She takes a prescription GLP-1 receptor agonist injection, which lowers appetite and improves metabolism. Most reports identify the drug as tirzepatide. [tmz.com]
Is Serena Williams on Ozempic?
There is no credible evidence she uses Ozempic (semaglutide). Media coverage points instead to Zepbound, which contains tirzepatide, a different but related medication.
Did Serena Williams take weight-loss drugs during her career?
No. GLP-1 drugs were not approved for obesity until years after her peak. Her confirmed use began postpartum, well into retirement. [tmz.com]
Does tirzepatide improve athletic performance?
There is no evidence it enhances strength, speed, or endurance. Its primary benefit is weight reduction, which might indirectly make physical activity feel easier. Anti-doping agencies currently allow GLP-1s, but debates continue.[theatlantic.com]
How much weight can the average person lose on Zepbound?
In the 72-week SURMOUNT-1 trial, adults lost an average 22% of body weight—about 52 lbs for someone starting at 240 lbs. Individual results vary by dose, diet, and movement. [pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
What are the main side effects of GLP-1 injections?
The most common are nausea, fullness, constipation, and mild fatigue. Serious complications like pancreatitis or gallbladder disease are rare but require immediate care.
How can I save money on tirzepatide or semaglutide?
Manufacturer coupons, insurance prior authorization, and free discount cards from Rx.com can lower monthly costs to roughly $740–$880, depending on the pharmacy.
Ready to Start Your Own Science-Backed Weight-Loss Journey?
Licensed U.S. providers on Rx.com can evaluate your eligibility for GLP-1 therapy, create a lifestyle plan, and send prescriptions directly to your local pharmacy—often at significant savings.