Vanessa Williams is opening up about a health decision she’s quietly made part of her life for the past two years.
The actress, singer, and former Miss America recently shared that she has been using a GLP-1 medication as part of her overall wellness routine, calling it a meaningful shift as she’s navigated aging, hormones, and long-term health.
In an interview with Hello!, Williams explained that she began taking tirzepatide—an injectable medication commonly prescribed for Type 2 diabetes and weight-related conditions—after noticing changes in how her body responded to familiar habits. “It’s a game-changer,” she said, describing the impact the medication has had on her life.
Williams, now 62, linked her decision to the physical changes that came with perimenopause and menopause. Despite maintaining the same workouts and eating patterns, she noticed her body wasn’t responding as it once had. “You feel out of control because you’re working out the same way, eating the same, and your body is not reacting the way it used to,” she said.
Turning 60 became a moment of clarity for the Desperate Housewives alum. She shared that the choice to explore medical options was rooted in longevity and self-care. “When I turned 60, I was like, ‘I want to be here for a long time, and I want to look my best. So what am I going to do?’” Williams explained.
Tirzepatide is sold under the brand names Mounjaro for diabetes treatment and Zepbound for weight management. The drug works by mimicking gut hormones that help regulate blood sugar, insulin response, digestion, and appetite. It’s administered once a week via injection and has gained widespread attention for its effectiveness, though it is prescription-only and comes with potential side effects that require medical supervision.
Alongside medication, Williams continues to rely on a mix of skincare treatments and beauty tools she’s used for years. She highlighted her longtime use of a handheld microcurrent device, saying, “She sent me one, and I’ve been using it for 15 years.” She also detailed professional treatments she receives, noting, “I’ve done it three times and definitely see a difference.”
Williams has also been candid about embracing science more broadly, sharing that she’s on hormone replacement therapy and has begun NAD+ injections. Her outlook remains forward-facing. “Science is amazing,” she said. “I’m like, ‘What’s next? Bring it on!’”
