@jess.mcgirr's Serena Williams GLP-1 claim, fact-checked
Quick answer
GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide and tirzepatide work by mimicking incretin hormones that regulate blood sugar and slow gastric emptying, leading to reduced appetite. Clinical trials show 14.9-20.9% average weight loss depending on the medication and dose, but require ongoing use and medical supervision due to gastrointestinal side effects and contraindications.
Our take · Written by FormBlends editorial team · Reviewed by FormBlends Medical Team· This is not a transcript. It is our independent review of the video above.
What does this video actually claim?
Jess McGirr's TikTok credits tennis champion Serena Williams for her interest in GLP-1 medications, suggesting Williams' public statements influenced her decision. The video has racked up 3.3 million views with just the caption "I blame you Serena Williams."
Williams has been open about her use of semaglutide (Ozempic) for weight management, discussing it in interviews and social media posts. She's described the medication as helpful for managing her weight after pregnancy and retirement from professional tennis.
McGirr's post appears to reference Williams as a catalyst for her own GLP-1 journey. This reflects a broader trend of celebrity endorsements driving public interest in these medications.
Did Serena Williams really promote GLP-1 medications?
Yes, Williams has spoken publicly about using semaglutide. In a 2023 Instagram post, she mentioned using the medication and shared her positive experience. She's been transparent about the challenges of weight management post-pregnancy and after retiring from competitive tennis.
However, Williams has been careful to frame her experience as personal, not medical advice. She's emphasized working with healthcare providers and hasn't made exaggerated claims about the medication's effects.
Her approach differs from some celebrity GLP-1 discussions that minimize potential side effects or oversell benefits. Williams has acknowledged that the medication is "not for everyone" and stressed the importance of medical supervision.
What's the actual evidence on GLP-1 medications?
The clinical data on semaglutide for weight loss is strong. The STEP 1 trial (Wilding et al., NEJM, 2021) found 14.9% average weight loss at 68 weeks with 2.4mg semaglutide weekly, compared to 2.4% with placebo.
The STEP 2 trial specifically studied people with type 2 diabetes. Participants lost 9.6% of body weight on average with 2.4mg semaglutide versus 3.4% with placebo after 68 weeks.
Common side effects include nausea (44% of participants in STEP 1), diarrhea (30%), and vomiting (24%). Most side effects were mild to moderate and decreased over time. About 7% of people discontinued due to gastrointestinal issues.
Tirzepatide shows even stronger results. The SURMOUNT-1 trial (Jastreboff et al., NEJM, 2022) demonstrated 20.9% average weight loss with the 15mg dose at 72 weeks.
What's missing from celebrity GLP-1 discussions?
Celebrity endorsements often skip the medical complexity of these medications. The starting dose is 0.25mg weekly, gradually increased to minimize side effects. Not everyone reaches the full 2.4mg maintenance dose.
Cost remains a major barrier. Without insurance coverage, semaglutide costs around $1,200 per month. Many insurance plans don't cover GLP-1s for weight loss alone, only for diabetes management.
The medications require ongoing use. In the STEP 1 trial extension, participants who stopped semaglutide regained most of the weight within a year. This isn't a short-term fix.
There are also contraindications. People with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 shouldn't use these medications. Pancreatitis risk, while rare, is another consideration.
Should celebrity experiences guide your healthcare decisions?
Williams' transparency about her experience is refreshing, but individual results vary significantly. What works for a world-class athlete may not apply to others with different health profiles, lifestyles, or medical histories.
The real issue isn't celebrities sharing their experiences but people making medical decisions based on social media content. A 3.3 million-view TikTok shouldn't replace a conversation with a healthcare provider about whether GLP-1 medications are appropriate.
McGirr's post, while lighthearted, reflects how celebrity influence shapes healthcare choices. That's concerning when these are prescription medications with real side effects and costs. The decision to start a GLP-1 should be based on medical evaluation, not TikTok inspiration.
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This page currently connects to 6 source-backed evidence items through visible references or structured citation data.
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Research sources used to frame this page
For @jess.mcgirr's Serena Williams GLP-1 claim, fact-checked, FormBlends checks the page topic against primary trials, systematic reviews, guidelines, and current PubMed-indexed literature where available. These citations are context, not medical advice, proof of eligibility, or a claim that every study applies to every patient.
Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity
Primary STEP 1 trial source for semaglutide weight-management efficacy and adverse-event context.
PubMed
Effect of Continued Weekly Subcutaneous Semaglutide vs Placebo on Weight Loss Maintenance
Used for maintenance, discontinuation, and weight-regain discussions after semaglutide response.
PubMed
Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity
Primary SURMOUNT-1 trial source for tirzepatide weight-loss ranges and tolerability.
PubMed
Continued Treatment With Tirzepatide for Maintenance of Weight Reduction
Used for continuation, stopping, and maintenance questions after initial weight loss.
PubMed
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@jess.mcgirr's Serena Williams GLP-1 claim, fact-checked is best used to compare access, oversight, pricing, pharmacy quality, and patient support before starting care.
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Claim being checked
GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide and tirzepatide work by mimicking incretin hormones that regulate blood sugar and slow gastric emptying, leading to reduced appetite.
FormBlends verdict
GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide and tirzepatide work by mimicking incretin hormones that regulate blood sugar and slow gastric emptying, leading to reduced appetite. Clinical trials show 14.9-20.9% average weight loss depending on the medication and dose, but require ongoing use and medical supervision due to gastrointestinal side effects and contraindications.
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Use the clip as a claim to verify, not a treatment plan
What it helps with
- GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide and tirzepatide work by mimicking incretin hormones that regulate blood sugar and slow gastric emptying, leading to reduced appetite. Clinical trials show 14.9-20.9% average weight loss depending on the medication and dose, but require ongoing use and medical supervision due to gastrointestinal side effects and contraindications.
- Serena Williams has publicly discussed using semaglutide for weight management and has been transparent about her experience
- The STEP 1 trial showed 14.9% average weight loss with 2.4mg weekly semaglutide versus 2.4% with placebo at 68 weeks
What it may miss
- It may not cover eligibility, contraindications, medication interactions, lab history, or dose escalation.
- Compound access, legal status, and product quality still need a separate safety check.
- Social video captions rarely show the full evidence base behind a claim.
Best next step
Compare the claim against a FormBlends guide, safety page, and licensed-provider review before acting.
Start provider reviewWhat You'll Learn
- Serena Williams has publicly discussed using semaglutide for weight management and has been transparent about her experience
- The STEP 1 trial showed 14.9% average weight loss with 2.4mg weekly semaglutide versus 2.4% with placebo at 68 weeks
- Common side effects include nausea (44%), diarrhea (30%), and vomiting (24%), with 7% discontinuing due to gastrointestinal issues
- Semaglutide costs approximately $1,200 per month without insurance coverage for weight loss indications
- Weight regain occurs when the medication is discontinued, as shown in trial extension studies
- Celebrity experiences shouldn't replace medical evaluation for prescription medication decisions
- GLP-1 medications have contraindications including personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
Interested in GLP-1 or peptide therapy?
Get matched with licensed-provider review to help decide if it is right for you.
About the Creator
Jess · TikTok creator
3.3M views on this video
I blame you Serena Williams
Read More on This Topic
Our written guides go deeper with dosing details, comparison tables, and medical-team reviewed protocols.
Not medical advice. This video was made by Jess, not by FormBlends. Our write-up above is an editorial review, not a medical recommendation. Talk to your doctor before making any decisions about medications or treatments.