Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 17, 2025 · Entertainment

Serena Williams Opens Up on Mental Health After Weight Loss Drug Controversy

Serena Williams shared an obscure social media post opening up on a 'difficult' month

Serena Williams Slams Back with Scathing Post About Mental Health Struggles Amid GLP-1 Weight Loss Controversy

Tennis legend Serena Williams has hit back at critics with a candid and cryptic Instagram post about her struggles with mental health, amidst controversy over her use of GLP-1 medication for weight loss. The 43-year-old mother of two took to social media to address the "difficult" month she's faced, sparking speculation about her well-being.

Williams' post, adorned with a Regency-era inspired aesthetic reminiscent of Netflix's hit show Bridgerton, began with a heart-to-heart message addressed to her fans. "My summer started out well, but I was plunged into a difficult August," she wrote. "Like many of you, I faced challenges that tested my spirit and resilience. Life can sometimes feel overwhelming, and it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters – your mental health and well-being."

Just weeks ago, the tennis legend publicly admitted to using a weight loss drug

The tennis icon, who has been open about her struggles with postpartum weight gain after the birth of her two daughters, Alexis Olympia (2017) and Adira River (2023), revealed that she took time away from the public eye to focus on herself. "I've learned that the end of a matter is better than its beginning," she wrote, hinting at the turbulent period she's navigated.

Williams' post comes just weeks after she sparked controversy by revealing her use of Zepbound, a GLP-1 medication, which helped her shed an impressive 31 pounds over the past year. The tennis star has been open about her struggles with weight gain and body image issues since becoming a mother for the first time.

However, not everyone was supportive of Williams' decision to share her weight loss journey with Zepbound. Many fans took to social media to express their concerns, calling out the tennis legend for promoting what they deemed "sinister" medication for profit. One fan wrote: "GLP-1 is a drug, and there are still doubts about its safety. Please don't promote something so sinister for money."

Another fan chimed in, saying: "Seeing Serena Williams being used to sell weight loss products feels like an insult to everything she stands for." A third fan expressed their disappointment, stating: "The body positivity movement is officially dead. Men hate us so much that they aren't satisfied unless we hate ourselves too."

Despite the backlash, Williams' post appears to be a message of self-care and self-love, urging her fans to prioritize their mental health and well-being above all else. The tennis legend has been open about her struggles with anxiety and depression in the past, and it's clear that she's using her platform to promote positivity and awareness.

Williams' decision to use Instagram to address her mental health struggles may have come as a surprise to some fans, but it's clear that she's committed to using her platform for good. By sharing her personal story and promoting self-care, Williams is sending a powerful message about the importance of prioritizing one's well-being above external pressures.

The 23-time Grand Slam champion revealed that she had been using Zepbound

As the tennis world continues to speculate about Williams' plans post-retirement, this latest Instagram post has left many fans wondering what's next for the 23-time Grand Slam winner. Will she continue to use her platform to promote body positivity and mental health awareness? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – Serena Williams is a force to be reckoned with, both on and off the court.

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The 43-year-old explained she began taking it after the birth of her second daughter, Adira

Williams is pictured with her husband, Reddit founder Alexis Ohanian, at the 2024 ESPYS