Serena Williams: A Journey Beyond Superhuman
With a remarkable tally of 23 Grand Slam singles titles and four Olympic gold medals, Serena Williams stands out as a superathlete. Yet, at 43 years old, she readily acknowledges her humanity.
Postpartum Struggles
After giving birth to her daughter Olympia in 2017, Serena faced serious complications that hindered her journey back to a healthier weight. Viewers got a glimpse of this struggle in her 2018 HBO documentary, Becoming Serena.
Frustrating Fitness Goals
Serena recalls her coach suggesting a weight loss plan even as she maintained a nutritious diet and intense workout regime. “I was training hard, knowing what it takes to be number one, yet the scale wouldn’t budge,” she reflected in a conversation with Women’s Health.
A Turning Point in Paris
During a trip to Paris, despite walking 20,000 to 30,000 steps daily to enjoy the city and improve her fitness, she found her scale weight unchanged. This stagnant progress added to her frustration.
Exploring Alternative Solutions
With the arrival of her second child, Adira, in 2023, Serena initially observed a quick weight loss. However, she soon hit another plateau. The extra weight placed undue stress on her joints during intense tennis movements. Realizing she needed a new approach, she began investigating weight loss medications.
Starting on GLP-1
Serena began a GLP-1 regimen about a year ago, initially pausing due to concerns about the stigma surrounding such medications. In January of this year, she recommitted to the program through the telehealth service Ro, which facilitated her treatment and answered her queries efficiently.
Positive Results and Health Improvements
Now, seven months into her treatment, Serena is not only witnessing weight loss but also improved joint comfort during training. Following a recent checkup, her doctor reported excellent health indicators, including optimal blood sugar levels. Emphasizing the importance of transparency regarding her experience, she stated, “It’s about using available tools to support health.”
