Tennis icon Serena Williams is under scrutiny as fans question her recent promotion of GLP-1 weight loss medications, particularly after a controversial Super Bowl advertisement. The criticism comes as Williams shares a video of herself pole-dancing in her home gym, sparking a mixed reaction.
Controversy Over Weight Loss Drug Ads
Williams has been featured in commercials for Ro, a GLP-1 provider, including a prominent spot during the 2026 Super Bowl. Following the ad, she posted an Instagram story demonstrating her fitness routine, specifically pole-dancing, with the caption, “Back to training on my 2 favorite devices.”
The timing has fueled criticism, with many fans pointing out the apparent contradiction between promoting weight loss drugs and showcasing a natural, athletic physique. One X user expressed frustration, stating, “Serena Williams is a retired tennis legend… why is she promoting GLP-1?” Another noted that GLP-1 drugs are primarily designed for diabetes management, with weight loss as a secondary effect, questioning the ethics of having an elite athlete endorse them.
Williams’ Personal Use and Husband’s Ties
In August 2025, Williams revealed that she had used a GLP-1 medication to lose pregnancy weight. She described her struggle to reach her desired weight despite rigorous training and healthy eating, adding, “I had never taken shortcuts in my career… it was frustrating to do all the same things and never be able to change that number on the scale.”
Adding to the controversy, Williams’ husband, Alexis Ohanian, sits on Ro’s board of directors. This connection has raised further questions about potential conflicts of interest in her endorsements.
The Bigger Picture
The backlash highlights broader concerns about celebrity endorsements of weight loss drugs and the pressure to maintain unrealistic body standards. While Williams’ fitness journey is admirable, her association with GLP-1 medications raises ethical issues, especially given their potential side effects and accessibility.
The controversy underscores the growing debate over the role of celebrities in promoting pharmaceuticals and the influence of financial ties on endorsements.
The debate over Williams’ promotion is likely to continue, especially as discussions around body image, health, and celebrity influence intensify.
