Tennis Legend's 'Healthier on Ro' Commercial Sparks Debate on Body Image, Big Pharma, and Athlete Endorsements

February 9, 2026 | Los Angeles, California – Tennis icon Serena Williams found herself at the center of intense online criticism following her appearance in a high-profile Super Bowl commercial that promoted GLP-1 medications through telehealth company Ro.

The ad, which aired during Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026, featured the 23-time Grand Slam champion sharing her personal experience with GLP-1 drugs. In the spot titled "Healthier on Ro," Williams revealed she lost 34 pounds over the course of a year while using the treatment, crediting it with reducing stress on her knee joints, stabilizing her blood sugar levels, and improving her overall health markers, including a 30% drop in cholesterol.

"I'm on Ro. 34 pounds down on Ro. Healthier on Ro," Williams stated in the voiceover, emphasizing FDA-approved GLP-1 options now available in pill form and positioning the medication as a tool for better health rather than purely cosmetic weight loss.

The commercial marked Ro's first Super Bowl appearance and built on Williams' partnership with the company, which began in 2025. Williams has previously discussed using GLP-1s to manage post-pregnancy health concerns and prediabetes-related issues.

However, the ad quickly drew sharp backlash on social media. Many fans and commentators expressed disappointment, accusing Williams of undermining body positivity—a cause she championed throughout her career by embracing her athletic, muscular build against criticism of not fitting traditional "skinny" ideals. Critics argued that promoting weight-loss injections during a family-oriented event like the Super Bowl sent a problematic message to impressionable viewers, particularly young girls.

One widely shared reaction called it "disgusting" for an elite athlete to endorse "Big Pharma weight loss injections while impressionable children watch." Others lamented the shift from her legacy of strength and resilience, with comments like "If the greatest tennis player of all time is using Ozempic, we’re done for" and accusations that the endorsement prioritized profit over authenticity.

Some viewers had anticipated a different kind of announcement from Williams, fueled by teasers suggesting a possible tennis comeback following her surprise 2025 Super Bowl halftime cameo. Instead, the ad focused solely on her health journey with Ro.

Defenders of the commercial pointed out that Williams framed the GLP-1 use as a holistic health intervention, not vanity-driven, and highlighted legitimate medical benefits like cardiovascular risk reduction. Supporters argued that criticizing her personal health choices ignores the realities of aging, post-athletic life, and managing conditions like joint stress after decades of intense competition.

The controversy highlights the growing debate around GLP-1 agonists (such as semaglutide-based drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy), which have exploded in popularity for weight management but face scrutiny over accessibility, side effects, and marketing tactics. Ro's campaign aims to normalize these treatments for broader health outcomes, but the Super Bowl spotlight amplified both praise and pushback.

As of Monday, social media discussions continue to rage, with no official response from Williams or Ro addressing the criticism. The incident underscores how celebrity endorsements in the booming weight-loss drug market can ignite cultural conversations about body image, health, and influence.