Trump's weight gain nears obesity threshold, sparking medical concern

Concerns are mounting over U.S. President Donald Trump's recent weight gain, with medical experts warning of potential health risks. According to a May White House medical report, the 80-year-old president, who stands approximately 6 feet 3 inches tall, now weighs 238 pounds (108 kg). This represents a gain of 14 pounds from last year and a significant increase of 23 pounds (10.4 kg) since 2023, bringing him close to the threshold for obesity.

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addressing the president's obesity should be a priority on par with the Secret Service protecting his life.

Adding to these concerns are recent observations of bruising on his hands and swelling in his ankles. Medical professionals have issued strong warnings about the dangers of obesity, with Dr. Scott Kahan, director of the National Center for Weight and Health, stating that addressing the president's weight should be a priority on par with Secret Service protection. White House physicians have repeatedly advised Trump, known for his fondness for fast food like McDonald's and aversion to strenuous exercise, to improve his diet and lose weight.

In response to external concerns, the White House has staunchly defended the president's health status. Instead of directly addressing whether Trump is following medical advice or using popular weight-loss drugs like GLP-1 agonists (which he has denied using), the administration issued a statement highlighting his "unparalleled energy, relentless work ethic, and sharpness." The statement also implicitly contrasted Trump's condition with perceived cognitive and physical decline in former President Biden during his term.

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unparalleled energy, relentless work ethic, and sharpness

Trump himself has frequently commented on weight, sometimes using it to mock political opponents or make light of his own eating habits, claiming he feels "fantastic." However, he has also expressed awareness of his weight, humorously noting his desire not to surpass the record of William Howard Taft, the heaviest U.S. president at over 300 pounds.

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I have to be careful, I don't want to break his record.