Serena Williams Tells Oprah Why She Thought GLP-1s Were a “Shortcut”

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Serena Williams is giving herself some love for adapting her weight loss strategy.

The 23-time Grand Slam champion told Oprah Winfrey she was initially very hesitant to try a GLP-1 medication for weight loss, as she’d heard it was seen as a quick and easy fix.

Serena explained on a recent episode of The Oprah Podcast that she used to avoid taking what she called ‘the skinny shot’ – a quick fix – preferring to put in the extra effort instead. ‘For a long time, I didn’t do it, and I didn’t want to,’ she said, ‘I thought, ‘I’m not going to take the shortcut. I’m going to work harder.'”

The 44-year-old, who has two daughters – 8-year-old Olympia and 2-year-old Adira – with her husband Alexis Ohanian, explained that she had attempted numerous solutions, but nothing worked.

I’ve really tried everything to get in shape – every diet imaginable and countless workouts. I even tried walking for hours each day, like when I was traveling in Europe and Paris, aiming for 20,000 steps. But nothing seemed to make a difference.

Serena shared that even after losing weight, she often felt strong cravings, explaining that her body seemed to prefer staying at a particular weight.

She explained that it’s strange, but she gets much hungrier whenever she loses weight. She also noticed that once she reaches a particular weight, her body seems to fight to regain what she’s lost.

Oprah empathized with the tennis legend, responding, “That’s your biology.”

Serena Williams has openly discussed using GLP-1 medication recently. After becoming a partner with the telehealth company Ro in August, she shared how years of public scrutiny regarding her body have affected her mental and emotional health.

Speaking with PORTER in December, she explained that being perceived as ‘large’ can really take a toll on your mental health. She realized that looking back, she was actually in good shape. While she had a muscular build and didn’t fit the typical image of other women, she pointed out that everyone’s body is different.

She explained that it was challenging early in her career because her physique was different from most other athletes. She had a curvier figure, while they tended to be very lean and slender, with a different standard of beauty.

Read on for more stars who have discussed using GLP-1 medications, like Ozempic. 

Before appearing on Dancing With the Stars, the star of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives shared that she was using semaglutide injections – sold as Ozempic and Wegovy – to help with weight loss.

She revealed on YouTube in January 2023 that she’s found something that helps her lose fat, explaining that it feels like her body simply eliminates the fat through urine. She clarified that this is her personal understanding of how it works.

In October 2025, the Queer Eye star revealed they began taking a GLP-1 medication after experiencing a health issue in 2023.

After experiencing a health scare, Jonathan decided to schedule a colonoscopy. If the results were normal, he planned to try a GLP-1 medication, as he simply wasn’t feeling well.

Jonathan shared that he’s in the best shape of his life after losing weight and starting Pilates at Solidcore. He said he’s always wanted visible abdominal muscles, and now he finally has them. He’s feeling so good about his physique that he’s been showing it off more often by taking his shirt off.

Even after losing seventy pounds with medication, Jonathan continued to champion body positivity.

They explained that they believe in body neutrality – the idea that your value as a person isn’t tied to how you look. Everyone deserves love and appreciation, no matter their body type.

The comedian began taking Mounjaro, a medication for Type 2 diabetes, in late 2022. She revealed her significant weight loss in May 2025.

Rosie shared on Instagram, expressing disbelief at her transformation, along with the hashtags #mounjaro, #weightloss, and #bodydismorphia.

Meghan Trainor and her husband, Daryl Sabara, bonded even more after becoming parents to their son, Riley, in 2021. They took on the intense 75 Hard challenge and successfully completed it, as Meghan shared on their podcast, Workin’ On It. Soon after, they started hearing from friends and even doctors who were using medications like Mounjaro and Ozempic.

Both Daryl and the singer decided to start with the smallest dose of Monjaro, and they combined it with regular exercise and healthy eating. The singer explained that they embarked on this health journey together, doing everything as a team.

Kendra Wilkinson, known from the show Girls Next Door, tried a weight loss injection, but only used it once. She announced on Instagram in April 2025 that she’d started the shots, then quickly decided against continuing and said she was getting rid of it.

The model explained she didn’t want to take any chances with her health. As a mother of two, she’d heard frightening stories about people needing emergency room visits and even surgery, and wanted to avoid that at all costs.

In March 2025, the host of the Golden Globes spoke out in support of Ozempic, encouraging people to feel comfortable discussing their use of the medication.

She enthusiastically shared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon that she fully supports anyone considering Ozempic. ‘I’m all for it,’ she said, adding, ‘I have no problem with anyone making that choice.’

She explained that she wants to create a more open conversation about weight loss, because she believes there’s a lot of unnecessary shame surrounding it. She feels this shame actually comes from people who prefer her to stay larger, and are upset by her progress. They may feel threatened by her confidence and personality as she changes.

The model stated in December 2024 that she previously used Ozempic, but she quit using it when she began competing on Dancing With the Stars the prior autumn.

Nader admitted to trying the popular trend when it first started, like a lot of people. He said it made him feel sick to his stomach, but he actually enjoyed it. Because of that, he explained, he couldn’t continue doing it while competing on Dancing with the Stars.

Oh my gosh, she actually said it! It just breaks my heart, but it’s so her. She admitted the medication just totally zapped her energy, like it took away her drive to work out. She said she had to choose, and honestly? It was the best choice ever. She chose dancing! She literally put the shot – like, the injection – away. Can you believe it? She prioritized her passion, and I’m just…so proud of her!

As a big fan, I was so inspired to hear that Dog the Bounty Hunter’s daughter lost 58 pounds! She shared in November 2024 that it took her 10 months, and she did it by changing what she eats and using a medication called Tirzepatide. She said it’s made her feel really proud of how far she’s come, and honestly, that’s amazing to hear.

Before finding a solution that worked for her, she had a difficult experience with Ozempic. “I really disliked it,” she told TopMob News. “It made me feel nauseous whenever I tried to eat, and sometimes I couldn’t eat anything at all. My body just didn’t react well to it.”

The star of The Real Housewives of New York City addressed rumors about her noticeable transformation between seasons 14 and 15.

You know, when you’re constantly in the public eye with reality TV, it’s so easy for people to jump to conclusions about what you’ve had done – whether it’s surgery or something else. Honestly, I really dislike the idea of Ozempic. It’s just not for me – I would never inject myself with needles!

After fans on social media began to wonder if Lizzo had used the drug Ozempic to help her lose weight – sparked by a recent photo showing her slimmer physique – the singer responded with a video. The video featured a popular sound clip from the movie Django Unchained, spoken by Christoph Waltz’s character, who says, “It’s like a reward.”

Later, though, the musician admitted she gave some injectibles a shot. 

Oh my god, I was listening to Lizzo on Trisha Paytas’ podcast – it was June 2025, I’ll never forget it! She was talking about why she stopped taking those GLP-1 meds, like Ozempic. And honestly? It made SO much sense. She basically said Ozempic works because it makes you not hungry, right? So if you can just control yourself and eat properly, and get your head in the right place, you get the same result! It’s like, why need the medication if you can do it naturally? I was screaming! She’s so right!

In a September 2024 episode of her podcast, Dream On, Kate Moss’s sister shared that starting Ozempic was “the worst decision I ever made.”

The model became sick after taking a dose of medication intended for people weighing over 220 pounds and had to be hospitalized.

She explained that she became so severely dehydrated she had a seizure, which was the most frightening experience of her life. A friend had to hold her feet to keep her still, and she described her face and body becoming completely rigid and tense during the ordeal.

In April 2024, Jon Gosselin, known from the show Jon & Kate Plus 8, told Page Six he lost 32 pounds in two months after using semaglutide injections – the generic version of the drug Ozempic.

“You know what’s annoying?” he said. “The regret of not starting it 10 years ago.”

Ree Drummond, known as the Pioneer Woman, wrote on her blog in March 2024 that she didn’t use Ozempic or other weight loss drugs to lose 50 pounds in 2022.

She emphasized that she would never criticize anyone for making that life choice.

In August 2023, the actor best known for 30 Rock shared on Today With Hoda and Jenna that he lost weight using Ozempic, which reduced his appetite.

In March 2024, he revealed a surprising update about his health. Appearing on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, he joked, “I’ve actually managed to eat more than Ozempic allows!” and explained that he had gained 40 pounds.

He later told TopMob News he was just kidding about his previous statement, but also shared, “Ozempic worked really well for me and I’m happy I used it.”

The star of The Real Housewives of Dubai revealed she used Ozempic after experiencing a midlife crisis at age 45.

Caroline Stanbury admitted on her podcast, Uncut & Uncensored, that losing weight becomes significantly harder after age 40. She revealed that many women have asked her how she’s managed to stay in shape, and she was honest about using Ozempic, calling it a very effective weight loss aid if accessible.

During a July 2024 appearance on Watch What Happens Live, the Real Housewives of New Jersey star stated she doesn’t use Ozempic. She jokingly followed up by admitting she’s actually using Mounjaro, adding that she’s happy with her current weight and feels great, with lots of energy.

A former cast member of The Real Housewives of Atlanta shared that she wasn’t successful in losing weight using the weight-loss injection.

She explained that a certain treatment didn’t reduce her appetite at all. Unlike some people who lost their appetite, she continued to eat normally – appetizers, a full meal, and even dessert. She admitted feeling down when she saw it worked for others but not for her, leading her to question what was different about her and why she wasn’t experiencing the same results. She shared these thoughts in June 2024.

I’m not a medical professional, but I’ve been following the discussions around different treatments and what’s proving effective,” she said in an interview with Fox News Digital. “Ozempic seems to have both positive effects and potential risks.”

Former Little Mix member Perrie Edwards, who has previously discussed her battle with anorexia, shared that it was challenging to ignore online rumors about her weight and speculation that she was using the drug Ozempic.

In August 2025, Jade told The Guardian she constantly struggles with the temptation to try Ozempic. While she understands why others use it, she worries that, given her past struggles with eating disorders, taking the drug could be a dangerous path for her.

The actress from Beverly Hills, 90210 reportedly used a weight loss drug after having her son, Beau, in 2017.

She mentioned on her podcast in April 2024 that Ozempic wasn’t effective for her, but Mounjaro helped her lose weight.

The actress explained to Francesca Amiker of TopMob News that it’s crucial to remember medications are prescribed for specific individuals and shouldn’t be used simply for cosmetic reasons.

Raven said, “Take care of business, but please prioritize giving the medicine to those who really need it.”

In September 2023, the host of Talk U.K. shared that she lost 42 pounds after using the medication Ozempic earlier that year.

She told TopMob News that the decision is entirely personal. She also clarified that using aids to help with weight loss is common and shouldn’t be seen as shameful.

She added, “We don’t have to bulls–t.”

Sharon’s daughter has also weighed in on the Ozempic trend.

“It’s fantastic,” the former star of Fashion Police told TopMob News in January 2024. “There are so many ways to lose weight, so why not choose one that’s more enjoyable than just exercising?”

 

Kate Winslet, known for her role in Titanic and previously scrutinized by the tabloids for her weight, recently discussed her thoughts on the current trend of focusing on weight loss.

In a March 2024 interview with The New York Times Magazine, Kate admitted she wasn’t familiar with Ozempic, saying, “All I know is that it’s some pill people are taking.”

“Oh, my God,” Kate remarked after learning about the injectable. “This sounds terrible.”

In December 2023, the star of The Hills shared that she had lost 22 pounds naturally, without using Ozempic. She expressed skepticism about quick fixes, telling Page Six that she wouldn’t choose that route herself and doesn’t want to comment on others who are using the drug. She made it clear she wouldn’t name anyone or get involved in the discussion, as it’s a path she’d never take.

Heidi said she’s looking for something sustainable and isn’t afraid of hard work.

During her June 8, 2023 appearance on Watch What Happens Live, the Trainwreck star openly criticized celebrities for being dishonest about using Ozempic for weight loss.

She said everyone seems to be trying Ozempic, and people are being dishonest about it. “They claim they’re just eating smaller portions, but that’s not true,” she told Andy Cohen, who has also spoken out about the trend. “If you’ve lost weight, you’re either using Ozempic or something similar, or you’ve had cosmetic procedures. Let’s just be honest about it.”

Okay, seriously, I just love how honest Amy Schumer is! She just said the most amazing thing – she was talking about how important it is to just tell people what you’ve had done. Like, she got liposuction and she just said she got liposuction! It’s so refreshing, you know? No pretending, just real talk. It makes me admire her even more!

She shared that she quickly became very interested in Ozempic in 2022, but ultimately stopped taking the medication—intended for Type 2 diabetes—because it interfered with her ability to enjoy time with her son, Gene.

I remember being too sick to play with my son,” Schumer shared. “I was really thin at the time, and he was throwing a ball at me, but I just didn’t have the strength to react.

Dr. Drew recently told TopMob News that people generally have complicated reactions to shows like Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test. He explained that while viewers are often fascinated, they also tend to be critical and judgmental.

He added that if a treatment could be beneficial, people should definitely consider using it.

Forget winter, a hot take is coming.

The former Game of Thrones star didn’t hold back when discussing Ozempic and the ads promoting it.

On April 5, 2023, the actress shared a post on her Instagram Story from writer Sophie Vershbow. Vershbow had tweeted a strong reaction to advertisements for Ozempic, a weight loss drug, that she saw in the Times Square subway station, saying she was very annoyed by them. The ads Vershbow shared in her tweet highlighted the ease of using the drug to lose weight, with slogans like “One shot to lose weight” and “A weekly shot to lose weight.”

Turner adding her own commentary, writing, “WTF.”

Novo Nordisk, the company that makes Ozempic, has stated that the drug is not currently approved by the FDA for long-term weight loss.

Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic, stated that while they acknowledge some doctors are prescribing the drug for weight loss, they do not endorse or promote using their medications for purposes other than those approved by regulators. The company emphasizes its commitment to following all U.S. laws and regulations regarding drug promotion, and trusts that doctors are carefully considering each patient’s specific needs when choosing the right treatment.

Comedian Chelsea Handler is speaking out about Ozempic, explaining that her doctor prescribed it to her for anti-aging purposes without fully explaining what the drug was.

She mentioned on the January 25, 2023 episode of Call Her Daddy that she wasn’t aware she was trying to lose weight. Someone had told her, ‘If you want to lose five pounds, this will help.’

But while she tried the drug, Handler noted that she didn’t like how it made her feel.

I remember getting back from vacation and immediately using the medication. A few days later, I was having lunch with a friend, and she casually mentioned she wasn’t eating much because she felt so sick – she told me she was on Ozempic. It was funny, because I was feeling a bit nauseous myself, but I just figured it was from the jet lag after my trip to Spain.

Handler eventually quit taking the medication because she didn’t actually need it, and she shared her leftover supply with friends.

She admitted to giving Ozempic to around four or five friends, explaining she decided against using it herself because she thought it was unnecessary. She described having friends come to her house to receive injections, scheduling appointments like ‘1 o’clock’ or ‘2 o’clock’.

Khloe Kardashian clapped back when commenters on Instagram speculated that she was taking Ozempic. 

Kardashian responded to criticism in a January 2023 post, defending her dedication to fitness. She explained that she works out five days a week, starting at 6 a.m., and asked people to stop making assumptions about her. She added that, despite the new year, some people remain unkind.

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2026-01-13 14:20