Donald Trump's physical revealed he might be obese — here's how much weight he needs to lose according to his BMI

AOL.com Editors
Updated

The results of Donald Trump's first presidential physical were revealed on Tuesday during a White House press briefing and, for the most part, the Commander in Chief received a clean bill of health.

Details on the president's fitness were read out by Dr. Ronny Jackson, a rear admiral in the Navy and the White House physician since 2013, when he was appointed to his role by former President Barack Obama.

"I think he will remain fit for duty for the remainder of this term and for the remainder of the next term if he’s re-elected," Dr. Jackson stated during the briefing.

However, Dr. Jackson did admit that Trump's weight was an issue that he and the president were currently working to get under control.

Standing at 75 inches tall, or 6' 2.5", and weighing in at 239 pounds, Trump's weight places him at a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30.3, or, if his height is rounded up to 6' 3", 29.9. For those unfamiliar with the BMI categories, they are as follows:

  • Underweight = < 18.5

  • Normal weight = 18.5 – 24.9

  • Overweight = 25 – 29.9

  • Obesity = 30 or greater

Based on his height and weight, Trump's BMI falls either ever so slightly inside the "obesity" range or right on the borderline between "overweight" and "obese," which Dr. Jackson said he and the president both plan to address.

"We talked about diet and exercise a lot," Dr. Jackson said during the briefing. "He's more enthusiastic about the diet part than the exercise part, but we're going to do both. He and I will work together over the next year to incorporate a plan so we can meet those goals."

Based on Trump's BMI, it is possible that he should consider losing 39 pounds, which would place him at a BMI of 25, right on the borderline of "normal weight" and "overweight" for someone of his height.

But as studies have shown, BMI may not always be the best indicator of an individual's weight or health, and thus, it is always advisable to speak with a physician before setting any major weight loss goals.

Dr. Jackson said at Tuesday's briefing that after conducting last week's physical, he and the president set a goal of losing 10-15 pounds. If he kicks his notorious McDonald's habit, that target should be easily attainable.

But despite the extra weight, Trump seems to be in very good shape.

According to Dr. Jackson, the president's resting heart rate is 68 and his blood pressure is 122/74, both of which fall within the normal range.

"I have no concerns about his cognitive ability," Dr. Jackson added.

Advertisement