"Perfectly Me": Serena Williams Defends Weight Loss Transformation Amid Medication Backlash

Serena Williams defends her 30-pound weight transformation and use of GLP-1 medication while modeling swimwear and Uggs in a new Instagram post.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 19, 2026, 10:11 AM EDT

Source: Page Six

The Post: Celebrating the "Unperfect"

Sporting soft glam and a casual pose, Williams captioned the carousel with a direct nod to her journey: "I am not perfect….but I’m perfectly me. Take out time today to celebrate being perfectly you!" The post quickly became a lightning rod for both support and scrutiny, with fans praising her as a "champion" and "bold trendsetter," while some commenters expressed nostalgia for her previous athletic silhouette.

The GLP-1 Controversy

The swimsuit post follows a wave of backlash that began in August 2025 after Williams partnered with the healthcare company Ro. In a joint video, she appeared to demonstrate the use of a GLP-1 weight loss medication a move that some critics argued reinforced unrealistic beauty standards. Williams, however, has been transparent about her motivations, stating she "needed" the medical assistance after welcoming her daughters, Alexis (2019) and Adira (2023).

Health Over Aesthetics: 30 Pounds Down

In an interview with People, the four-time Olympic gold medalist revealed she has lost 30 pounds on the medication. She emphasized that the decision followed extensive research into the benefits and potential "shortcuts."