Trump Maintains 'Excellent Health' but Advised to Cut Weight and Increase Activity, Per Physician

Donald Trump is in "excellent health," according to a medical evaluation released by the White House on Friday, though his physician has recommended that the president lose weight and engage in more physical activity. Capt. Sean Barbabella, the doctor who conducted the annual examination, issued a memo stating that the 79-year-old president—who will turn 80 next month—demonstrates "strong cardiac, pulmonary, neurological and overall physical function."

Despite addressing concerns regarding Trump’s weight and recent bruising on his hand, Barbabella affirmed that the president is "fully fit to carry out all duties of the Commander-in-Chief and Head of State." The assessment took place on Tuesday at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Following the procedure, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that "everything checked out perfectly." This marks the third documented medical review since he resumed his residence in the White House last year.

The memo highlighted that Trump scored a perfect 30 out of 30 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, a standard tool for evaluating cognitive health, placing him "within normal limits." This is particularly notable given that Trump is the oldest individual ever inaugurated as U.S. president.

Regarding his physical metrics, the report noted that Trump weighs 238lb (108kg), representing a 14lb (6.3kg) increase since his last medical exam in April 2025. Consequently, Barbabella provided guidance on dietary adjustments, increased physical activity, and continued efforts to reduce weight. The president is currently using medication to manage his cholesterol levels. His resting heart rate was recorded at 73 beats per minute, with doctors estimating his "cardiac age" to be roughly 14 years younger than his actual age.

"His demanding daily schedule, including multiple high-level meetings, public engagements and regular physical activity continues to support his overall well-being," Barbabella wrote in the memo.

The evaluation also addressed public speculation stemming from last year, when images of Trump’s bruised hands and swollen legs sparked health rumors. It was disclosed in July that the president had been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a condition where leg veins struggle to pump blood back to the heart, leading to fluid buildup and swelling in the lower limbs. While the current memo acknowledged "slight lower leg swelling," Barbabella noted that the condition has "improvement from last year."

The bruising observed on Trump’s hand was attributed to "minor soft tissue irritation related to frequent handshaking" combined with his use of aspirin for "cardiovascular prevention." Barbabella described this bruising as "a common and benign effect of aspirin therapy." In addition to aspirin, the president is taking two distinct drugs to control cholesterol. The report confirmed that Trump remains current with all necessary preventative screenings and vaccinations.

Trump has previously been open about his high-dose aspirin regimen, telling The Wall Street Journal that he has consumed 325mg per day for the past 25 years, significantly higher than the 81mg dose often recommended by physicians. He explained his preference for the larger dose by stating he did not "want thick blood pouring through my heart."

When it comes to exercise, Trump has expressed a strong aversion to traditional workouts, preferring to stick to golf. "I just don't like it. It's boring," he said. "To walk on a treadmill or run on a treadmill for hours and hours like some people do, that's not for me."

Although these annual health checks are not mandatory, they have become a standard practice in recent decades. This routine transparency follows a period of intense public scrutiny regarding the health of former President Joe Biden, who was 78 when he assumed office in 2021, particularly toward the end of his term.

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-05-30 08:44:23 UTC