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JB Pritzker Says He Used GLP-1s to Lose 80 Pounds
Confirmed
In Short: Illinois Governor JB Pritzker disclosed on Monday that he has lost 80 pounds using a GLP-1 medication since being diagnosed with diabetes two years ago.
Pritzker, who spoke about his weight loss journey in an interview with CBS News, said he started the medication after a doctor advised him to do so following his diabetes diagnosis.
He noted that he lost two pounds in the first week on the medication and emphasized that it has been a 'life-changing' experience.
Pritzker also reflected on his personal health struggles, telling the Chicago Sun Times, 'I honestly didn’t think about the fact that just two years ago at the Democratic convention, that I was 80 pounds heavier.
In addition to the medication, Pritzker said he regularly walks several miles along Lake Michigan in the mornings to maintain his health.
Pritzker, who has been the target of weight-related mockery from former President Donald Trump, said he finds it humorous that Trump still calls him a 'fat slob,' adding, 'Oh, by the way, he’s overweight.
Pritzker began taking the GLP-1 medication and insulin after being diagnosed with pre-diabetes and then Type II diabetes at age 58.
Pritzker also mentioned that the Illinois state employee insurance plan covers GLP-1 medications, potentially making it more accessible to state employees.
When asked about his presidential ambitions, Pritzker remained noncommittal, saying he is currently focused on Illinois.
In the CBS interview, Pritzker said he feels 'a whole lot different and a whole lot better' since starting the medication.
What's confirmed
- “I’ve been driven my whole life to lose weight,” Pritzker said.
What's still developing
- “I have an opportunity, just with the platform I have as governor, to tell people that this is something that can work for them,” Pritzker said.
- President Donald Trump has frequently mocked Pritzker’s weight in social media posts, calling the governor a “fat slob” in the past.
- JB Pritzker (D-IL) spoke for the first time on his weight-loss journey, revealing he has consistently used a GLP-1 drug to help him lose 80 pounds.