Serena Williams Faces Fierce Backlash From Fans for Promoting Weight Loss Drugs During Super Bowl LX in the United States

Serena Williams found herself at the center of controversy on Super Bowl Sunday after appearing in a commercial promoting a weight loss drug.

The legendary tennis star partnered with telehealth company Ro to showcase her personal experience with their GLP-1 medication, which she credited for her recent body transformation.

The ad sparked widespread criticism and heated discussions across social media platforms.

The Super Bowl Commercial That Stirred Debate

In the ad that aired during the first half of the Super Bowl LX matchup between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks, Williams was shown injecting the weight loss medication and using Ro’s app to place another order.

The commercial also revealed that the drug would soon be available in a pill form, expanding options for users.

Williams explained in the ad that her journey with the drug helped her not only shed pounds but also reduce knee stress, stabilize blood sugar, and lower cholesterol—a claim that drew both intrigue and skepticism from viewers.

Serena’s Personal Journey With Weight Loss

The 44-year-old tennis icon has openly shared that her post-playing career and motherhood made it difficult for her to reach her desired weight.

After giving birth to her second daughter, Adira River Ohanian, in August 2023, Williams struggled despite rigorous training and healthy eating habits.

“I had never taken shortcuts in my career and always worked really hard.

So it was very frustrating to do all the same things and never be able to change that number on the scale or the way my body looked,” Williams admitted in interviews last year.

She began using the GLP-1 drug in 2024 after finishing breastfeeding Adira, and reported losing over 30 pounds within a year.

This isn’t the first time Williams has been in the public eye for her post-tennis health journey.

She and her husband Alexis Ohanian, who is also an investor and board member at Ro, have been candid about the family’s focus on wellness after her retirement at the 2022 US Open.

Social Media Backlash and Fan Reactions

The commercial ignited strong reactions online, with many fans expressing disappointment and shock.

Comments ranged from calling the ad “disgusting” to criticizing Williams for promoting GLP-1 medications like Ozempic.

Some tweets suggested that the campaign was a surprising and unwelcome turn for the tennis legend.

One social media user wrote, “Serena Williams used to look so much better, man, what happened?” while another quipped, “Known athlete, Serena Williams, pushing weight loss drugs on people was not on my Super Bowl bingo card.”

The backlash highlighted a growing debate around celebrities endorsing medical products, particularly weight loss drugs that remain controversial in public discourse.

The Bigger Picture: Celebrities and Weight Loss Drugs

Serena is not alone in publicly endorsing GLP-1 medications.

In recent years, several high-profile figures have turned to these drugs to manage weight, sparking both awareness and criticism.

These medications, which were originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, have become popular for their appetite-suppressing effects.

However, medical experts caution that they are not a one-size-fits-all solution and can carry side effects such as nausea and digestive issues.

The advertisement also raises broader questions about the ethics of celebrity endorsements for prescription drugs, especially during a widely viewed event like the Super Bowl.

What’s Next?

Serena Williams’ collaboration with Ro is likely to continue drawing attention, both from fans and health experts.

The company has plans to expand its product line with the pill version of the GLP-1 drug, and public conversations around the role of celebrities in promoting medical treatments are expected to intensify.

Some observers are curious whether Williams will address the backlash publicly or whether she will continue to focus on her personal health journey without further commentary.

Summary

Serena Williams’ Super Bowl ad promoting weight loss drugs has ignited debate over the role of celebrities in endorsing medical products.

While Williams highlighted the health benefits she experienced, including weight loss and reduced cholesterol, social media users reacted with criticism, calling the campaign “disgusting” and questioning the ethics of such endorsements.

As GLP-1 medications gain popularity, Williams’ high-profile promotion has thrust the conversation into the public spotlight, raising questions about health, celebrity influence, and responsibility.