Let’s Talk About It – GLP-1

 Written by: Wale Arshad

I was surprised to see Serena Williams featured in a GLP-1 advertisement. As a nurse practitioner working in an outpatient clinic, I frequently collaborate with primary care providers who prescribe GLP-1s for clients struggling with obesity and/or diabetes. But seeing Serena Williams, a world-class athlete, in such an ad initially left me puzzled.

Before diving deeper into this, let’s define and highlight the medical use of GLP-1.

 What is GLP-1?

GLP-1 is a natural hormone in the body that helps regulate blood sugar, digestion, and appetite. In other words, our bodies already produce it. Medications like Ozempic and Wegovy are synthetic versions of this hormone.

Medical Uses of GLP-1

Synthetic versions, called GLP-1 receptor agonists—such as semaglutide (Ozempic, We govt), liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza), and dulaglutide (Trulicity)—are FDA-approved to:

Treat type 2 diabetes

Support weight loss in individuals with obesity or overweight plus comorbidities

A key feature of GLP-1 is that it increases insulin release only when blood sugar is high. Unlike other medications that stimulate insulin, GLP-1 works in a glucose-dependent manner, while also reducing appetite and food intake.

Why Serena Williams?

While I don’t know Serena Williams’ personal health profile, I was struck by her explanation in the ad: she described struggling to lose weight after her second child, despite doing “all the right things.” This resonated with me as a provider.

Between the ages of 40-53, many women transition through perimenopause and menopause, which can drastically impact hormones, metabolism, and body composition. Add pregnancy during this period, and the metabolic and hormonal shifts become even more complex. From this perspective, Serena’s experience is not unusual—it reflects a very common struggle many women face.

 My Reflection 

Serena Williams’ openness may help reduce the stigma around seeking support for weight challenges. At the same time, celebrity endorsements raise important questions: Could this encourage widespread use of GLP-1s without full awareness of potential long-term effects, particularly in people without clear medical indications?

GLP-1s are powerful tools when used appropriately, but like all medications, they carry risks and should be prescribed based  on medical necessity; not just societal pressure to look a certain way.