- By Supratik Das
- Mon, 14 Apr 2025 11:51 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Former US President Donald Trump has been declared in “excellent” health by his physician following his annual physical examination conducted at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. The report, issued by the White House, presented the 78-year-old leader's physical and mental status, cataloging him as medically healthy to serve as Commander-in-Chief, though his body mass index (BMI) puts him at "overweight." Based on Navy Captain Dr. Sean Barbabella's assertion, Trump's current weight is 224 pounds, and he's 6 feet 3 inches tall, placing his BMI at 28.0. This puts the Republican leader in the "overweight" category, according to standard BMI categorizations, which characterize a BMI of 25 to 29.9 as overweight. Nevertheless, the doctor explained that the BMI, though a common measurement, is generally considered an "inaccurate tool" when employed alone to measure the general health of an individual. Trump's BMI has decreased from 30.5 in 2020, when he was labeled as "obese."
Barbabella Emphasized Trump’s “Active Lifestyle,”
Dr. Barbabella highlighted Trump's "active lifestyle," citing his regular involvement in golf and daily activities. The doctor mentioned that Trump has kept up a high-energy schedule with "multiple meetings, public appearances, and media availabilities." The report underscored that Trump has lost 20 pounds since his 2020 physical, crediting the weight loss to lifestyle adjustments and better cholesterol control. His overall cholesterol has come down significantly from 223 in 2018 to 140, supported by the drugs rosuvastatin and ezetimibe.
The ex-president got a perfect 30 out of 30 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), which reaffirmed his mental sharpness. He was also screened for depression and anxiety and came back normal in both tests. The exam report also revealed that Trump had cataract surgery on both eyes and a colonoscopy in July 2024, which detected a benign polyp and evidence of diverticulosis—a condition in which the walls of the intestines become weakened. These were considered non-concerning by the medical team.
A Good Heart, A Good Soul: Trump Said
Trump's blood pressure was measured at 128/74 mmHg and was categorized as slightly high but his resting heart rate of 62 beats per minute was deemed healthy. His cardiac, pulmonary, neurological, and overall physical functioning were noted as "robust" by the doctor in his report. Trump testified following the five-hour test, "Overall, I felt I was in very good shape.". A good heart, a good soul, a very good soul." The physical was performed by Dr. Sean Barbabella, who summed up, "President Trump possesses excellent cognitive and physical health and is fully capable of performing the tasks of the Commander-in-Chief and Head of State."
Past Controversies Over Trump’s Health Claims
Previously, Trump's medical records have been under controversy. In 2018, his previous doctor, Dr. Harold Bornstein, disclosed that a 2015 letter stating Trump was in "extraordinary health" was dictated by Trump himself. Even with such controversies, the recent physical reinforces an official White House position that Donald Trump is medically fit to pursue and possibly hold public office again, only two months before his 79th birthday.