The economic reason why Serena Williams advertised a controversial drug: “With those extra pounds, I didn't recognize myself”
Serena Williams, 44, was criticized for appearing in a commercial for a weight loss drug during the last Super Bowl. The former world leader is the image of a product that has divided public opinion for about a year.
Serena in the Super Bowl commercial PHOTO Video capture
In addition, another aspect “makes” the situation worse: the product specifically promoted by Williams is marketed by the company Ro. Serena's husband, Alexis Ohanian, is a member of the Board of Directors of this company. In this way, the economic reason behind the decision was also found out.
Took it after pregnancy
Serena Williams was at the Super Bowl again, but this time it wasn't to impress the crowd. If last year he conquered with his dance moves during the halftime show by Kendrick Lamar, this year's comeback was accompanied by a wave of criticism.
At the heart of the controversy is Serena Williams' decision to endorse a weight-loss drug, a controversial topic in the United States and beyond. During the Super Bowl, an ad featured the champion in a campaign for a GLP-1 drug.
In the ad, Serena shows how to use the drug by injecting a dose into the arm and ordering it through an app. Williams started taking it post-pregnancy in 2023, also explaining the reasons behind this action. “I never felt pressured to maintain a certain look. However, with those extra pounds, I didn't recognize myself“, she said in an interview with People magazine.
“I was never able to get to the weight I wanted, no matter how much I exercised or ate healthy. I have never taken shortcuts in my career and before I started taking medication I did a lot of research. I was wondering if it really is a shortcut and what are the benefits“, she also said.
Reduces hunger, miraculous weight loss
Through this treatment, the one who holds 23 Grand Slam tournament titles managed to lose more than 30 kilograms. However, the choice to use this drug encourages the search for quick weight loss solutions, perceived as “shortcuts”.
GLP-1-based drugs were originally developed as antidiabetics, but are now increasingly used, especially in the United States, for weight loss due to their ability to reduce hunger.
However, the use of GLP-1 for weight loss continues to divide public opinion. Criticisms of the advertisement on social networks focused on two main aspects: firstly, the role of the promoter, entrusted to a former/current sportswoman, and secondly, the lack of an explicit reference in the advertisement to the possible side effects or the need for a prior medical consultation.
Serena Williams does not rule out a return to the court. As reported by Bounces, the website of the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) has updated its list of athletes: Williams, if she wishes, can officially return to competition starting on February 22. But it is not known whether she will really return, attracted by the fact that the Indian Wells tournament is on the horizon.
