Serena Williams Partners with Ro to Advocate for GLP-1 Weight Management, Shedding 31 Pounds

New York, NY – Tennis legend Serena Williams has partnered with telehealth company Ro as a celebrity patient ambassador, publicly revealing her use of GLP-1 medications to manage weight and losing 31 pounds. The announcement, highlighted by investor Rick Heitzmann on social media, marks a significant move for Ro in destigmatizing weight-loss treatments and promoting accessible healthcare. Williams' husband, Alexis Ohanian, a co-founder of Reddit, is an investor in Ro and serves on its board.

Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam champion, stated that despite rigorous training and healthy eating, she struggled with postpartum weight after the birth of her two daughters. "I realized it wasn't about willpower; it was biological. My body needed the GLP-1 and clinical support," Williams explained, emphasizing that her journey is "not a shortcut. It's healthcare." She began weekly injections approximately six months after her second daughter was born and has since experienced significant weight loss and improved health.

Ro, a direct-to-patient healthcare company founded in 2017, offers nationwide telehealth, lab, and pharmacy services, providing an integrated platform for various health goals, including weight management. The company aims to make high-quality healthcare more accessible, particularly in primary care deserts. This partnership follows Ro's earlier collaboration with NBA legend Charles Barkley, further solidifying its strategy to use high-profile figures to normalize GLP-1 treatments and challenge misconceptions about weight loss.

The strategic alliance with Williams is expected to boost Ro's visibility and credibility in the competitive weight-loss drug market, especially as companies expand into women's health. GLP-1 drugs, such as Wegovy and Zepbound, work by regulating appetite and slowing digestion, and have shown significant efficacy in weight reduction. Ro facilitates access to these medications through online doctor visits, personalized treatment plans, and insurance coordination, aiming to reduce barriers to care.

Williams' decision to openly discuss her experience is seen as a powerful statement against the stigma often associated with weight-loss medications. "By opening up about her own health, Serena is opening doors for millions of people who have felt shamed for needing support to lose weight," said Zach Reitano, co-founder and CEO of Ro. The multi-year national marketing campaign featuring Williams will span digital, broadcast, and out-of-home platforms, including a presence at the US Open and Times Square.