Trump’s doctor recommends he lose weight and exercise more but says he is in ‘excellent health’
Trump’s Doctor Recommends Weight Loss and Exercise but Asserts He Is in ‘Excellent Health’
Trump s doctor recommends he lose – On late Friday evening, the White House unveiled the findings from President Donald Trump’s May physical examination, revealing a physician’s memo that suggests he should reduce his weight and increase physical activity. Despite these recommendations, the memo also emphasized that Trump is in “excellent health,” with his doctor, Dr. Sean Barbabella, highlighting his robust cardiac, pulmonary, neurological, and overall physical condition. The assessment underscored his ability to perform all duties of the Commander-in-Chief and Head of State without limitation.
Medical Advice and Physical Metrics
During the exam, preventive counseling was provided, including guidance on diet, the use of low-dose aspirin, and increased physical activity. The report noted that Trump stands 6 feet 3 inches tall and currently weighs 238 pounds. This marks a slight increase from his weight of 224 pounds recorded in April of the previous year. The doctor’s memo detailed that the president’s physical performance remains strong, with no significant concerns raised about his overall fitness.
Barbabella’s letter included a specific mention of Trump’s condition at the time of the check-up, stating, “Slight lower leg swelling was noted, with improvement from last year.” This finding aligns with earlier reports about swelling in his legs and ankles that had been visible during the summer. The White House attributed this to chronic venous insufficiency, a condition where valves in certain veins fail to function properly, leading to blood pooling. While compression socks were suggested as a remedy, Trump found them uncomfortable, opting instead for a more traditional approach.
Health Concerns and Public Perceptions
Trump’s second term has seen some visible signs of physical strain, including noticeable bruising on his hands. This has been linked to frequent handshakes, a common activity during public appearances. The White House has attempted to downplay these marks by using concealer in photographs, suggesting they are minor and not indicative of a broader issue. However, these details have fueled speculation about the president’s health, prompting the administration to provide more information than usual.
During the May physical, Trump also underwent a “comprehensive neurological exam.” The results indicated “normal mental status, intact cranial nerves, normal motor strength, sensation, reflexes, gait, and balance.” These findings suggest that his cognitive functions are unaffected, though the White House has occasionally raised questions about his mental acuity. In January, Trump mentioned his personal approach to aspirin use, stating he takes 325 milligrams daily. While doctors typically recommend 81 milligrams for preventive purposes, the higher dose can increase the risk of bleeding. Trump explained his choice, saying, “They say aspirin is good for thinning out the blood, and I don’t want thick blood pouring through my heart. … I want nice, thin blood pouring through my heart. … They’d rather have me take the smaller one. I take the larger one, but I’ve done it for years, and what it does do is, it causes bruising.”
Medical History and Recent Trends
This visit to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center marked Trump’s third medical examination at the facility since becoming the oldest president ever inaugurated in 2025. The White House had previously stated the check-up would include “routine annual dental and medical assessments,” even though Trump had already visited a dentist in Florida twice this year. The administration’s decision to include dental evaluations highlights a growing emphasis on monitoring his overall health, particularly as visible ailments have become more frequent in recent months.
Trump’s health has been a topic of discussion in the media, with some reports questioning his ability to perform presidential duties. However, the latest medical review from Barbabella provides reassurance that he remains physically capable. The doctor’s assessment includes a detailed breakdown of Trump’s vital signs and functional capacity, which the White House has used to counter health-related criticisms. The memo also stated that Trump’s “cardiac age…to be approximately 14 years younger than his chronological age,” based on an Al-enhanced electrocardiogram (ECG) analysis. This suggests his heart health is in better condition than his actual age might imply.
Public Response and Health Narratives
Immediately after the visit, Trump offered a brief summary of his condition, writing on Truth Social, “Everything checked out PERFECTLY.” This statement, though concise, reflects the administration’s effort to present a positive health narrative. The use of all caps adds emphasis, signaling confidence in the results. However, the detailed report from the doctor reveals a nuanced picture, balancing recommendations with affirmations of his health.
The latest findings add to a growing list of medical updates since Trump returned to the White House in 2025. The administration has become more proactive in sharing information about his physical condition, responding to public concerns and media scrutiny. The May report, like previous ones, combines specific data points with broader statements about his vitality. While the doctor recommended weight loss and exercise, the memo consistently portrays Trump as in excellent health, emphasizing his resilience and physical endurance.
Trump’s medical history includes a range of conditions, from chronic venous insufficiency to bruising from handshakes, all of which have been addressed in recent assessments. The latest update from Walter Reed reaffirms his ability to handle the responsibilities of the presidency, even as he continues to face questions about his stamina and energy levels. The administration’s willingness to release detailed reports underscores its commitment to maintaining public confidence in the president’s health, despite ongoing debates about the accuracy and completeness of those disclosures.
Barbabella’s letter also mentioned the results of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, a 10-minute test used to detect early signs of cognitive decline or dementia. Trump scored 30 out of 30, which is considered a perfect score and indicates no evidence of mild cognitive impairment. This result is significant, as it reinforces the president’s mental sharpness and challenges claims of declining cognitive