WASHINGTON, D.C., United States: Concerns about Trump’s weight gain have intensified after his May physical listed the 80-year-old US president at 238 pounds, up 14 pounds from his 2025 annual examination.
The Washington Post reported on August 23 that Trump’s 2023 Georgia booking record listed him at 215 pounds, creating a 23-pound difference from his latest official weight. However, the newspaper noted that the origin of the 2023 figure was unclear.
Trump’s more firmly documented increase was 14 pounds in one year, from 224 pounds at his April 2025 physical to 238 pounds in May 2026. At 6 feet 3 inches, his latest measurements produced a body mass index of 29.7, just below the BMI threshold of 30 used to classify obesity.
Outside physicians told The Washington Post that carrying excess weight can increase health risks. Dr Scott Kahan, director of the National Centre for Weight and Wellness and a physician at George Washington University, said obesity is associated with numerous health problems and premature disability and death.
Trump’s official medical assessment was more reassuring. Navy Capt. Sean P. Barbabella, physician to the president, said Trump remained in “excellent health” with strong cardiac, pulmonary, neurological and overall physical function. His doctors recommended improvements to diet, physical activity and continued weight loss.
Read: Trump Health Report Says President Should Lose Weight
The May examination also documented hand bruising and slight lower-leg swelling. Barbabella attributed the bruising to frequent handshaking and aspirin therapy, while the swelling had improved from Trump’s previously diagnosed chronic venous insufficiency.
