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Serena Williams to Star in Super Bowl Ad, Discusses Weight Loss Journey and GLP-1 Medication
Tennis icon Serena Williams is set to make a high-profile appearance during Super Bowl LX, starring in a commercial that will highlight her significant weight loss since retiring from professional tennis. Williams, who has reportedly shed 31 pounds since August 2025, has openly shared her fitness journey, including her use of a GLP-1 medication to support her goals.
The commercial, which will cost an estimated $8 million for a 30-second slot, features Williams alongside fellow sports legend Charles Barkley. Both athletes have partnered with Ro, a health tech company offering weight-loss programs that utilize natural hormone medicine.
A teaser for the ad, released Wednesday, shows Williams dancing in a blue tennis skirt and crop top, narrating her experience. She states that the medication has contributed to her improved health, allowing her to “move” and “feel” better.
Barkley has also publicly attributed a 45-pound weight loss to the same treatment, indicating the commercial is part of a broader campaign promoting assisted weight loss. GLP-1 is a natural hormone known for regulating blood sugar and appetite, and is also found in medications like Ozempic.
Despite the growing popularity of GLP-1 medications, a stigma persists, and Williams has faced some backlash for her decision to use them. In an interview with People, Williams addressed her struggles with weight loss, explaining, “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 described the frustration of maintaining a rigorous workout regimen and healthy diet without seeing results.
Williams emphasized that she has not solely relied on medication, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and regular exercise. She views the GLP-1 aid as an accelerator to her process.
Addressing critics, Williams stated that losing weight should not dictate one’s self-image and that individuals should not feel pressured to conform to specific appearances. For her, the motivation was about personal comfort and well-being.
“I always felt comfortable at any size, whether I was a lot heavier or not,” Williams clarified. However, she acknowledged that her body experienced discomfort at a higher weight, noting, “I had pain in my joints and pain in different areas just because of the extra weight that I’m not used to carrying since I had children.”