Illinois Governor JB Pritzker revealed that he has been using a GLP-1 medication for the past two years, resulting in an 80-pound weight loss that he credits with transforming his health following a diabetes diagnosis. Speaking in an interview broadcast on CBS Mornings on Monday, the governor discussed his medical regimen, family health history, and how the treatment has altered his daily routine.
Health Diagnosis and Medication Regimen
Pritzker stated that bad news regarding his routine blood work two years ago forced him to make a change after doctors diagnosed him with diabetes. “My doctor said, ‘Oh, no, you’ll never come off of it. You’re going to have to do this the rest of your life, and I recommend that you take a GLP-1,'” Pritzker told CBS Mornings.
His wife, first lady MK Pritzker, supported the decision, citing the governor’s family medical history. Pritzker’s father, Donald, died of a heart attack at age 39 while playing tennis when the future governor was a child. Every week, Pritzker injects himself with the GLP-1 medication. He noted that the effects on his appetite were immediate, describing how by the third day of his first week on the drug, he realized he no longer felt the urge to overeat. He reported losing two pounds in that initial week.
Public Coverage and State Insurance Initiative
Alongside his personal health changes, Pritzker addressed state policy regarding the medications. Illinois currently covers GLP-1 drugs on the state insurance plan for 55,000 state employees. According to Pritzker, this coverage is a financial and public health decision aimed at reducing long-term healthcare costs. “Why? We’re going to save money,” Pritzker told CBS Mornings, explaining that the intervention helps lower rates of diabetes and other weight-related conditions.
Political Speculation and Future Plans
The announcement regarding his 80-pound weight loss drew questions from interviewers concerning a potential presidential run. Pressed on whether the physical transformation was intended to prepare for a 2028 campaign, Pritzker pushed back against the suggestion. “I’ve been driven my whole life to lose weight,” Pritzker said. “The fact that I am now able to do it because this GLP-1 became available is truly, like, I mean, it’s something that has meant a lot to me.” He added that he has not made decisions about future political runs and remains focused on his current term and reelection as governor of Illinois.
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