Governor Pritzker Lost 80 Pounds With GLP-1 Medication
The 61-year-old Illinois governor revealed his weight loss progress in a September 2026 interview.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Weight Loss
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Illinois Governor JB Pritzker disclosed in September 2026 that he has lost 80 pounds while using GLP-1 medication. The governor, who is 61, also reported that he stopped taking insulin nine months ago.
Why it matters
Pritzker disclosed his journey to address obesity-related health conditions as Illinois expands access to weight loss treatments. The state program aims to eliminate long-term health problems through medical intervention and required lifestyle management.
Nationwide, 11% of U.S. adults are taking GLP-1 medications for weight loss as of 2026. The list price for Ozempic is currently $1,027.51 per unit.
The players
JB Pritzker
He is the current Governor of Illinois who recently disclosed his use of GLP-1 medications to manage weight and health conditions.
Kwame Raoul
He is the Attorney General of Illinois who has issued formal warnings regarding the distribution of unapproved versions of GLP-1 drugs.
Illinois Department of Central Management Services
This state agency oversees employee health insurance and added the coverage for weight loss medications.
The details
Illinois officials added weight loss drug coverage to state health insurance in July 2023, a policy that cost $147 million in fiscal year 2025. Enrollees in this state-sponsored program must participate in mandatory lifestyle management courses to maintain eligibility.
Timeline
The FDA approved the first GLP-1 medication in 2005.
Illinois expanded GLP-1 coverage for state workers in July 2023.
Pritzker began taking GLP-1 medication in the spring of 2024.
The expanded state coverage cost $147 million during fiscal year 2025.
Pritzker revealed his weight loss in an interview in September 2026.
The Big Picture
This development follows the July 2023 Illinois state health insurance coverage expansion, which marks a significant policy shift in state-funded access to obesity treatments.
Illinois residents covered by the state insurance plan may access GLP-1 drugs if they commit to mandatory lifestyle management programs. However, patients should remain cautious as state officials have issued warnings regarding the safety of unapproved versions of these medications.
The takeaway
Patients considering GLP-1 therapies should consult with medical providers to manage potential side effects, as reports to poison centers have risen sharply. Successful treatment often pairs pharmacological support with structured lifestyle management to achieve long-term health improvements.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in Weight Loss research and state-level policy coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
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