# Illinois Gov. Pritzker Shares 80-Pound Weight Loss with GLP-1

> Illinois Gov. Pritzker reveals GLP-1 use after 80-pound weight loss.
- Title: Illinois Gov. Pritzker Shares 80-Pound Weight Loss with GLP-1
- Summary: Illinois Gov. Pritzker reveals GLP-1 use after 80-pound weight loss. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker lost 80 pounds using GLP-1 medication, saying it helps him…
- Keywords: jb pritzker, glp-1, weight loss, illinois governor, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, insulin, state insurance, medicaid, lake michigan, news, local
- Source: Chicago Sun-Times — https://chicago.suntimes.com/illinois-governor/2026/09/21/illinois-governor-jb-pritzker-interview-glp-1-diabetes-weight-loss
- Published: 2026-09-21T13:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: jb pritzker, glp-1, weight loss, illinois governor, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, insulin, state insurance, medicaid, lake michigan, news, local
## Gov. Pritzker's weight journey
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker lost 80 pounds using GLP-1 medication after two years of weight loss efforts.

> I think it’s what I need to succeed
## Weight loss motivation
Pritzker says he wants to talk about his weight loss because millions of Americans suffer from obesity-related health conditions.
## GLP-1 medication
Pritzker started GLP-1 injections in spring 2024 after being diagnosed with prediabetes and later type 2 diabetes.
## Health improvements
Pritzker stopped insulin nine months ago and now has normal blood sugar levels with GLP-1 and exercise.
## Weight loss progress
Pritzker lost 80 pounds over two years, saying his suits once hung off his body but now fit better.
## Family health history
Pritzker’s father died at age 39 from a heart attack, and his mother died in a car accident when he was 17.
## State insurance coverage
Illinois state insurance covers GLP-1 medications for state workers diagnosed with diabetes, costing $147 million in fiscal year 2025.
## Presidential criticism
Pritzker says President Trump called him a 'fat slob' and shared AI-generated memes of him eating pizza and burgers.
## Weight loss habits
Pritzker walks several miles along Lake Michigan daily and uses recumbent bikes and treadmills for exercise.
## GLP-1 defense
Pritzker says GLP-1 is not a shortcut or 'steroids' but a necessary medical treatment for his weight loss.
## Future coverage
Pritzker says Illinois may cut GLP-1 coverage for weight loss due to budget constraints but wants to expand Medicaid access.
## Long-term goals
Pritzker wants to have grandchildren and says his weight loss helps him stay healthy for the long term.
## Weight loss mindset
Pritzker no longer feels the 'food noise' and credits GLP-1 for helping him manage his weight without constant dieting.
## Health history
Pritzker had high cholesterol and blood pressure as a child but maintained normal blood work results.
## Weight loss impact
Pritzker says GLP-1 helped him stop insulin and return to normal blood sugar levels after two years of weight loss.
## Next steps
Pritzker focuses on winning his third term for governor in November and says he won’t run for president.
## Key takeaway

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker lost 80 pounds using GLP-1 medication, saying it helps him succeed and has no regrets about the treatment.