Trump Claims Junk Food Is 'Good' and Gym 'Boring' After Doctors Warn He Is 'Playing With Fire'

Donald Trump has dismissed concerns about his diet and exercise habits, saying 'maybe junk food is good' and that spending hours on a treadmill is 'not for me', despite a recent medical report showing he had gained 14 pounds in a year.

The White House recorded Trump's weight at 238 pounds, up from 224 pounds at his previous annual examination. The figure is also 23 pounds above the weight listed on his Georgia booking record in August 2023.

At 6ft 3in, Trump's reported body mass index is 29.7, just below the standard threshold of 30 for obesity. BMI does not provide a complete picture of health, but the weight gain has drawn scrutiny as Trump approaches his 80th birthday.

White House physician Dr Sean Barbabella nevertheless concluded that the president was in 'excellent health' and fully fit to carry out his duties. His report also recommended that Trump improve his diet, increase physical activity and continue efforts to lose weight.

Trump Dismisses Diet Concerns

Trump has long been open about his preference for fast food, steak and Diet Coke, while showing little interest in structured exercise.

During an Oval Office appearance in May, he questioned whether people should spend too much time worrying about their diet.

'Maybe junk food is good and the other food is no good,' Trump said. 'I know many, many people that all they do is watch their weight, their this, their that, and they kicked the bucket, and here we are. I feel great.'

Earlier this year, Trump also explained why conventional exercise holds little appeal. 'To walk on a treadmill or run on a treadmill for hours and hours like some people do, that's not for me.'

His comments contrast with advice in his own medical report, which recommended dietary improvements, increased physical activity and continued weight loss.

Doctors Focus on Weight Gain

Outside physicians have focused on what Trump's recent weight gain could mean over time.

Dr Scott Kahan, director of the National Centre for Weight and Wellness, said obesity is associated with serious health problems, premature disability and death.

Dr Stuart Fischer, a former emergency-room doctor and practising internist, offered a blunter assessment.

'Someone has got to really quietly sit down and talk with him, and say, "You're playing with fire,"' Fischer said.

Fischer did not diagnose Trump with a specific medical condition. His comments addressed the risks associated with weight gain and the importance of investigating significant changes.

Trump's published medical report did not identify congestive heart failure or another major illness. The concern raised by outside doctors is about longer-term risk, rather than evidence that Trump is currently suffering from a serious condition.

'Excellent Health' and Extra Weight

The White House report complicates any suggestion that Trump is currently unwell. According to Barbabella, the president demonstrated strong cardiac, pulmonary, neurological and overall physical function.

The report listed his blood pressure at 105/71, a resting heart rate of 73 beats per minute and blood oxygen saturation of 98 per cent.

Trump also takes medication to manage cholesterol and daily aspirin for cardiac prevention. Those results support the White House's assessment that he remains capable of carrying out the duties of president. At the same time, his physician advised him to improve his diet, exercise more and lose weight.

For outside doctors, the issue is not simply Trump's current weight but the fact that it rose by 14 pounds between his two most recent annual examinations.

Trump Jokes About His Weight

Trump has occasionally made his weight part of his political theatre. He has joked about the possibility of surpassing William Howard Taft, widely regarded as the heaviest US president. At 238 pounds, Trump remains well below Taft, who reportedly weighed more than 300 pounds.

After his physical examination, Trump said everything had checked out 'PERFECTLY' and suggested that he felt as good as he did decades ago.

The available evidence therefore presents two positions. Trump's own physician says he is in excellent health and fit to serve. The same report recommends dietary changes, more exercise and continued weight loss.

Outside doctors have raised concerns about the potential consequences of continued weight gain as Trump approaches 80. Trump, however, appears unconvinced that his preference for junk food or dislike of the gym presents a serious problem. His doctors have offered their advice. The president's public comments suggest he remains unconvinced.