Fans Slam Ozempic Ads at Toronto WTA 1000 Canadian Open
Spectators at the Toronto Canadian Open criticised the appearance of weight-loss drug Ozempic advertisements during the women's WTA 1000 event.
At the Canadian Open in Toronto, part of the women's WTA 1000 series, advertising panels for the weight-loss drug Ozempic drew sharp criticism from tennis fans online. Social-media users described the presence of the ads as "dystopian" and "embarrassing," arguing that they convey a harmful body-image narrative to the competitors. A few voices defended the marketing, likening it to other commercial content such as gambling promotions seen at the tournament.
The debate resurfaced Serena Williams' 2025 interview in which she detailed her own experience with GLP-1 medication, noting a loss of over 31 pounds and improved well-being. Williams, who returned to competition in June 2026 after a four-year break, has become a prominent figure in discussions about weight-loss drugs in sport. The incident highlights the tension between commercial sponsorship and athlete health messaging at high-profile events.
Why it matters
The backlash shows how drug advertising at sports events can clash with concerns about athlete health and body image.
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