Ulrika Jonsson criticises Serena Williams for ‘forcing feminism back’ after tennis player revealed recent weight-loss was down to skinny jab

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Ulrika Jonsson has expressed criticism towards Serena Williams, claiming she set women’s feminism back when discussing her recent weight loss being due to an injectable slimming treatment.

The television host, aged 58, expressed worries about influencing “vulnerable younger females” and deemed the endorsement deal as a breach of everything Serena Williams had previously represented.

Serena, aged 43, openly acknowledged that she shed an impressive 31 pounds by utilizing the weight-loss medication Zepbound, specifically designed as a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Subsequently, she collaborated with a healthcare professional for a promotional initiative.

GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone that aids in managing blood sugar levels and appetite, which is featured in well-known weight loss medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Rybelsus.

In a column for The Sun, Ulrika expressed doubt about the impact of Serena’s statement on women and voiced her dismay.

People who have long admired her as a true powerhouse and marvel of a woman, are left feeling deceived, as it seems her underlying message suggests she disliked her body for most of her career.

Ulrika went on to express: “It seems to me that this PR campaign might be setting feminism back a few paces.

‘Serena’s admission of using weight-loss injections implies to women that despite rigorous training, proper diet, and meticulous food tracking, achieving a body you’re satisfied with might not be possible unless you inject yourself with such substances, disregarding potential side effects.’

In a recent interview on Today, Serena shared that a familial health concern had inspired her to shed any excess pounds.

The tennis star told viewers that several of her family members have had diabetes.

As a diligent health enthusiast, I’ve come to understand that diabetes is a persistent health challenge characterized by elevated levels of glucose-a type of sugar-in my bloodstream. This condition frequently arises due to my body’s inability to produce enough insulin or efficiently utilize the insulin it does produce.

She also hoped that losing weight would relieve pressure on her knees.

She mentioned that her knees caused her numerous problems, particularly following the birth of her child. This certainly may have impacted potential victories during her professional career.

Despite being an athlete and having made numerous efforts, I struggled to reach a healthier weight. Rest assured, I avoid shortcuts in my pursuit of wellness, focusing instead on consistent efforts.

Following the birth of Olympia in 2017, the seven-time Wimbledon champion spent numerous hours exercising, yet she found it challenging to lose weight despite her efforts.

Serena clarified: ‘I used to compete at a professional level in sports, but regardless of my efforts, I couldn’t return to the state of health that was necessary for me, specifically maintaining a balanced weight.’

Once I lost a significant amount of weight, I’ve managed to maintain it so far. Regardless of my efforts, I haven’t been able to drop below that specific weight number again.

Additionally, she initiated a campaign alongside Ro, a telehealth service provider offering GLP-1 prescriptions, where she emphasized that utilizing the medication is not about opting for the “convenient solution,” but rather highlighting its beneficial effects beyond being seen as a quick fix.

Her husband, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, is an investor in Ro and serves on its board.

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2025-08-26 15:05