Jameela Jamil says she feels “uncomfortable” watching Serena Williams promote GLP-1 weight-loss drugs and did not hold back her words.
Williams recently revealed in a People interview that she lost 31 pounds using the medication. “I did a lot of research on it. I was like, ‘Is this a shortcut? What are the benefits? What are not the benefits?’ she said, explaining that doctors guided her decision and the process was “easy.”
Her admission sparked debate online, and Jamil weighed in on Instagram:
“Serena Williams is selling GLP-1s. What makes me most uncomfortable is that celebrities have access to doctors most people don’t. These ‘miracle’ drugs come at a price.”
Jamil listed potential side effects, including gastric paralysis, pancreatitis, cancer, malnutrition, depression, and even blindness, warning that many users regain weight quickly if they stop treatment. She also pointed out that long-term use requires expensive monitoring, such as blood tests, DEXA scans, nutritionists, and strength training resources, which are inaccessible to most people.
Celeb Endorsement?
“Nobody tells you these things in the media,” she wrote. “If something goes wrong, you don’t have a billion dollars to fix it.”
Jamil added another layer to her criticism, noting that Williams’ husband, Alexis Ohanian, sits on the board of Ro – the telehealth company behind her GLP-1 plan. By referencing the service in interviews, Jamil argued, Williams effectively promotes Ro and fuels the monetization of weight loss.
“Another reason we should take every celebrity endorsement with a pinch of salt,” she added.
Also Read: Kelly Osbourne Hits Out at the World for Making Her Feel Worse About Her Weight Than Past Drug Struggles
“No Shortcuts”
Serena said that she had “never taken shortcuts in my career and always worked really hard. I know what it takes to be the best,” as she recalled her long effort to achieve progress without assistance.
However, earlier this year, she reflected on how childbirth reshaped her view of her body. “Loving yourself is essential,” she wrote on Instagram. “Right now, I love that my body is not picture perfect…I love getting to know a new version of my body.”
The debate over weight loss drugs continues. While celebs like Amanda Bynes has decided to start using Ozempic to lose weight and look better in paparazzi photos, it is best to wait for experts to offer a more measured breakdown of possible side effects of any drug.
