When Celebrities Shrink: GLP-1s, Grief, and the Cost of Weight Loss in the Media

Because this conversation is bigger than one celebrity—and bigger than weight loss.

“Our beliefs about bodies disproportionately impact those whose race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, and age deviate from our default notions.

The further from the default, the greater the impact. We are all affected— but not equally.”

― Sonya Renee Taylor, The Body Is Not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love

I didn’t plan on writing this week — we’re enjoying a brief but very nourishing staycation. But several days ago, the internet lit up with headlines: Serena Williams announced she’s using GLP-1s for weight loss.

My DMs filled with links, screenshots, and emoji reactions that ranged from heartbreak to fury to resignation. Sad faces. Eye rolls. Angry tears. Underneath it all, I think the word is grief.