JB Pritzker refuses to reveal if Ozempic caused sudden weight loss: 'Not answering that question'

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker avoided confirming weight-loss drug use, framing his health journey as personal
UPDATED SEP 8, 2025
JB Pritzker gave an interview to NBC 5’s Mary Ann Ahern amid speculation about his health and political future (Getty Images and NBCChicago/Screengrab)
JB Pritzker gave an interview to NBC 5’s Mary Ann Ahern amid speculation about his health and political future (Getty Images and NBCChicago/Screengrab)

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS: Illinois Governor JB Pritzker's visible weight loss has become a hot topic in political circles, especially as speculation mounts over his possible 2028 presidential run.

While many wondered whether weight loss medications like Ozempic contributed to his slimmer look, the 60-year-old leader has chosen not to confirm or deny it.

JB Pritzker avoids question, but calls GLP-1s 'amazing drugs'

During a morning walk with NBC 5 Chicago's Mary Ann Ahern on September 2, JB Pritzker acknowledged his health transformation but carefully sidestepped direct questions about weight-loss drugs.

“I’m not going to answer that question partly because I think there are a lot of people who are on those GLP-1s, and it’s kind of none of anybody’s business,” he said, noting that many use them to treat conditions like diabetes. “And those are amazing drugs.”

MUNICH, GERMANY - JULY 27: EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO BOOK COVERS. Taylor Swift performs onstage during
JB Pritzker delivered remarks during the WisDems 2024 State Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on June 8, 2024 (Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for The Democratic Party of Wisconsin)

When pressed, Pritzker doubled down, saying, “I don’t care. Anybody doing anything that’s good for their health — that’s a positive thing. And this is good for my health. I have kids I want to be around for a long time. I’ve fought being overweight my whole life.”

Nutrition expert warns that the weight can come back

Toby Amidor, a best-selling author and award-winning nutritionist, told RadarOnline.com that the greater challenge is keeping the weight off.

“Once someone loses weight, data suggests that 95 percent of people tend to gain it back within 5 years,” Amidor said. “Even if Governor Pritzker would like to maintain his weight loss, he still needs lifelong healthy habits, including diet and exercise.”

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker speaks to the media onboard a water taxi passing Trump Tower about plans by President Donald Trump to send National Guard troops into Chicago, on the Chicago River on August 25, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois (Scott Olson/Getty Images)
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker speaks to the media onboard a water taxi passing Trump Tower about plans by President Donald Trump to send National Guard troops into Chicago, on the Chicago River on August 25, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Trump mocks JB Pritzker’s health goals

Former President Donald Trump has repeatedly targeted JB Pritzker’s weight. Last month, he told reporters the governor “should spend more time in the gym.” The governor shot back, calling Trump a “bully” and adding that he himself is “not in good shape.”



 

Trump has also linked Pritzker’s slimmer appearance to presidential ambitions. “I notice he lost a little weight, so maybe he has a chance,” Trump quipped. Pritzker replied on X with sarcasm: “Thanks, Donald. By the way, where are the Jeffrey Epstein files?”



 

Pritzker has also urged Democrats to “fight everywhere and all at once” against Republican policies, warning that conservatives “cannot know a moment of peace.”

Trump escalates attacks after Chicago shootings

Donald Trump intensified his criticism following a violent weekend in Chicago that left six dead and more than two dozen wounded. On Truth Social, he blasted Pritzker for allegedly rejecting federal help.



 

“Six people were killed, and 24 people were shot, in Chicago last weekend, and JB Pritzker, the weak and pathetic Governor of Illinois, just said that he doesn’t need help in preventing CRIME. He is CRAZY!!! He better straighten it out, FAST, or we’re coming!" Trump posted on August 30.

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