Story perspectives

Serena Williams Faces Backlash for Weight Loss Drug Endorsement

10/21/2025

Summary

Williams Endorses Controversy

Serena Williams, the U.S. tennis star, faces backlash for endorsing weight loss drugs after fitness influencer Kheiston Boone criticizes her role as the face of the medication.
Boone argues Williams' brand could suffer due to potential side effects from the drug.
Williams lost 31 pounds in eight months.
Some fans express disappointment with her endorsement.
Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, praises Williams for unwavering friendship amid public pressures.

History

Historical Context

The FDA approved fen-phen, a weight-loss drug, in 1997, but it was later linked to severe side effects, resulting in over 30,000 lawsuits. This history of caution around weight-loss medications resonates today, as Serena Williams' endorsement of such drugs raises concerns about potential backlash, reflecting ongoing societal pressures on public figures regarding health and body image.

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Williams Endorses Controversy

Serena Williams, the U.S. tennis star, faces backlash for endorsing weight loss drugs after fitness influencer Kheiston Boone criticizes her role as the face of the medication.
Boone argues Williams' brand could suffer due to potential side effects from the drug.
Williams lost 31 pounds in eight months.
Some fans express disappointment with her endorsement.
Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, praises Williams for unwavering friendship amid public pressures.

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