Charles Barkley attends 2024 Steve Harvey Charity Golf Classic at Bear's Best Atlanta on June 05, ... More 2024 in Suwanee, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images) Getty Images Getting fit has not only been an ongoing struggle for many Americans, but it’s almost part of the American way of life. Recently, with the emergence of more advanced weight loss remedies, there are more options and perhaps more hope for adults who have long battled obesity during their adulthood. And it might seem that everyone is talking about GLP-1. This relatively new medication can help manage Type 2 diabetes and obesity by regulating appetite by slowing down digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness after eating. But for those who don’t really follow science, or what celebrities are doing to keep most fit, all the acronyms and medical terminology can be daunting. Enter Charles Barkley, the NBA Hall of Famer and sports media talking head, who is also known for his voiceover work on many a TV commercial. Well, now the hoops legend, once known as the “Round Mound of Rebound,” wants to make better health and the pursuit of weight loss more of a slam dunk. Barkley recently restarted his own weight loss journey with facing significant barriers to treatment access and repetitive weight regain. It’s why he’s joined up with Ro, a leading direct-to-patient telehealth company that specializes in easy-access patient care, and one that offers weight loss care and GLP-1s to qualified patients. “I know GLP-1s work, I’ve seen it for myself,” said Barkley last week about his own efforts to lose weight. The 6-foot-6 Barkley recently lost 50 pounds as a result of GLP-1s. But he acknowledged that part of the struggle for a lot of Americans is not motivation, but getting proper care. MORE FOR YOU Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Clues And Answers For Monday, May 5th Trump Says He Will Reopen Alcatraz Prison—Here’s What To Know Microsoft Confirms You Cannot Cancel New Windows PC Update “The hard part (for me) was getting the medication when I needed it. That’s where Ro comes in – they make it easy. I don’t have to jump through hoops. I know my treatment is handled. Also, this isn’t just about me, it’s about making sure regular folks have real tools to take control of their health and start feeling better. Let’s go to work!” Ro’s main mission help patients achieve their health goals by delivering the easiest, most effective care possible. It is the only company to offer nationwide telehealth, labs, and pharmacy services. Since 2017, Ro has helped millions of patients in nearly every single county in the United States, including 98% of primary care deserts. This is enabled by Ro's vertically integrated platform that helps patients achieve their goals through a convenient, end-to-end healthcare experience spanning from diagnosis to delivery of medication to ongoing care. Yet, Zach Reitano, the company’s co-founder and CEO, thinks that having a famous face and someone as vocal and well-known as Charles Barkley can make the difference to everyday people who have experienced the very same struggles. “Chuck is honest, inspiring, and deeply relatable—he understands the power of GLP-1s, but needed a partner to help him stay on track with treatment,” Reitano said. “Restarting your weight loss journey after a setback takes courage.” Reitnao added: “Chuck’s story is a reminder that weight loss isn’t always linear, but with the right support, it’s possible to overcome any setbacks to achieve your health goals. We’re honored he’s trusting Ro to support him on this next chapter.” Over the coming years, Barkley, his company Round Mound Media, and Ro will work together to raise awareness of the effectiveness of GLP-1s, while also sharing updates on Barkley’s progress. Together, Barkley and the New York City-based company aim to help more people, particularly those in underserved communities, feel empowered to take control of their weight loss and overall health. The five-time Sports Emmy Award-winning broadcaster said that the Ro partnership is deeply personal. Also, he said that one of the best parts was making a commercial for the Ro campaign that will help inform people while also allowing him to have a little fun in the process. “Working on these Ro commercials was a blast,” Barkley explained. “I got to be myself, joke around a little, and most importantly, talk about something that can really help people.” In one of the commercials, Barkley pitches a jingle to a crew member on the set of Ro’s commercial shoot, while the young crew says that Ro can help Barkley with his goal of losing 65 pounds, but they can’t help him lose his big mouth.” NBA Playoffs: NBA on TNT broadcasters (L-R) Shaquille O'Neal, Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith and Charles ... More Barkley, Houston, Texas, May 2018 (Photo by Greg Nelson /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images) Sports Illustrated via Getty Images The campaign’s down-to-earth nature, levity, and humor are a perfect match for Barkley’s big personality and tendency to joke around. There’s also Barkley’s very candid quality that seems to be the best part of it. “I don’t need a script to tell folks GLP-1s work. I’ve lived it. If this gets somebody to take that first step and start feeling better, then it’s worth it.” With the NBA Playoffs in full swing and the 2025 postseason’s second round ready to start, Charles Barkley’s prominent role as analyst on "NBA on TNT” along with Shaquille O'Neal, Kenny Smith, Ernie Johnson, and others, is certain to keep basketball fans engaged. Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn. Check out my website or some of my other work. Editorial StandardsForbes Accolades