Serena Williams shares cryptic post after weight loss and mental health challenges

Jackie Longo

Serena Williams shares cryptic post after weight loss and mental health challenges image

© James Lan

Serena Williams is opening up to fans in a cryptic post on social media about her mental health after recently revealing she used weight loss medication to help her drop 31 pounds. 

The 23-time Grand Slam winner, 43, said her summer "started out well," but quickly "plunged into a difficult August." 

The tennis icon admitted that "challenges" tested her emotionally, leading her to step back and prioritize her mental health. 

Williams shared the life update in a September 16 Instagram post, which included a carousel of photos posing in front of bookshelves in a tight-fitting red dress paired with silver pumps. 

Serena Williams opens up about mental health after GLP-1 weight loss reveal

"Like many of you, I faced challenges that tested my spirit and resilience. Life can sometimes feel overwhelming and it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters—your mental health and well-being," Williams wrote on Tuesday. "I took some time away to breathe, to reconnect with myself, and to remember that it’s perfectly okay to pause and reconnect. Even if it’s just a quiet night to yourself. Anything counts."

The tennis legend continued, "I’ve learned that the end of a matter is better than its beginning. And even though things haven’t reached their end yet, I’m also learning to let go and live life one moment at a time."

MORE: Serena Williams dishes on why 'it costs a lot' to be successful

She isn't letting the hard times bring her down though. 

For the time being, Williams says the only thing she's worrying about is "how good this dress looks against first editions." 

She signed off the Bridgerton-inspired message with the hashtag, "LadySerenaOf StocktonStreet." 

Fans were quick to leave supportive messages on Williams' candid post, with one person writing, "All versions of you are beautiful. Go girl!!!"

Another person said, "You look fab!! Thanks for sharing your struggle- it certainly is real. I can relate."

Someone else added, "You look amazing!" 

Williams' candid post comes nearly three weeks after she shared the secret behind her body transformation. The tennis legend admitted that she hopped on the GLP-1 medication bandwagon after she tried everything from becoming a vegan and vegetarian to intense running and workout sessions. 

The tennis star is now a paid spokesperson for the healthcare company Ro, which sells GLP-1 weight loss treatments, including Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound, per the company's website

 

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Jackie Longo

Jackie is a freelance writer and editor with The Sporting News. She has covered sports, entertainment and lifestyle for over a decade. She has written for a number of outlets including Business Insider, The Sun, Travel+Leisure and Heavy. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from West Virginia University and resides in Charlotte, NC.