Gov. JB Pritzker revealed that he was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes two years ago and has since lost 80 pounds with a GLP-1 drug. The 61-year-old Democrat shared his experience in a Substack essay and select media interviews. This announcement coincides with his campaign for a third term as Illinois governor against Republican Darren Bailey in the upcoming Nov. 3 election, and his potential consideration for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028.

Pritzker, who has faced lifelong challenges with weight, learned of his diabetes from a routine blood test. His doctor warned he would need insulin indefinitely. His father’s early death from a heart attack at 39 due to obesity prompted Pritzker to reassess his lifestyle. His doctor prescribed a GLP-1 drug to manage weight and reduce blood sugar levels. Since starting the treatment, Pritzker shed 80 pounds and is now off insulin dependency.

First, the food noise – which used to make me look at my watch and wish the next meal time would come faster – has gone away. I also exercise every day. It was drudgery in the first month, but after that, it’s become an enjoyable reprieve from the daily grind, Pritzker shared. His daily routine includes a four-mile walk and activities such as pickleball, tennis, padel, and jogging with his children.

Pritzker acknowledged past struggles with various diets and exercise regimes which often resulted in a cycle of weight loss and gain. He described the journey as a frustrating rollercoaster and admitted feeling the need to do better. Public curiosity about his noticeable weight loss heightened over the past year, although he previously declined to confirm his use of GLP-1 drugs.

During an NBC-5 interview last year, Pritzker maintained his privacy regarding GLP-1 usage, emphasizing health matters as personal. He also mentioned the GLP-1 drugs’ benefits for individuals with genuine health issues, like diabetes.

Despite criticism from Republican President Donald Trump about his weight, Pritzker has not been shy about his body shape. During his initial gubernatorial campaign, he used the slogan “Think Big,” and has since referenced it in various situations, humorously alluding to weight-loss drugs at a Washington event.

Pritzker’s organized disclosure of his GLP-1 regimen includes interviews, such as with the Sun-Times and “CBS Mornings.” When asked if his weight loss aimed to boost a potential presidential bid, Pritzker indicated his primary focus remains his current role as governor. I’ve been driven my whole life to lose weight, he stated, attributing his progress to the accessibility of GLP-1 drugs and the motivation for health improvement.

First Lady MK Pritzker expressed her support for the governor’s health journey, citing his family’s medical history as a major concern. The governor has utilized his experience to influence state policies, such as expanding the state employee health insurance plan to cover GLP-1 drugs. A veteran state employee shared her success story with the governor, crediting the policy for her 100-pound weight loss.

In his role, Pritzker generally keeps health issues private. He has been open about past medical challenges, like recovering from a thigh bone fracture and testing positive for COVID-19.

Ultimately, Pritzker aspires to inspire those struggling with weight and related health issues. Reflecting on his father, he pondered how access to GLP-1 medication could have altered their family’s history. He encouraged individuals to reassess their health options, stating, If you have struggled with type 2 diabetes or being overweight, I hope this can be the push you need to talk to your doctor again.