Ahead of Physical, Trump Hasn't Followed Doctor's Advice

Different physician will perform this year's exam
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Feb 8, 2019 6:38 AM CST
Trump Due for 2nd Physical of His Presidency
In this Jan. 14, 2019 photo, President Trump talks to the media in front of a table full of fast food for the visiting Clemson Tigers.   (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

President Trump, the second president ever to still be in office at the age of 72, undergoes the second physical exam of his presidency Friday—and though he was declared to be in "excellent health" last year, insiders say he hasn't been following the medical advice he was given. Sources tell CNN that Trump, who was advised to start eating healthier meals, has made some minor adjustments to his diet but is still very fond of fast food, as Clemson players can attest. The president was also advised to start exercising, but White House sources say they are fairly certain that Trump, who believes exercising is a "waste of energy," has never set foot in the White House fitness room. His main form of exercise is believed to be golfing, though he is generally seen using a cart instead of walking.

Trump received a "diet and exercise plan last year after his annual physical, but the president admits he has not followed it religiously," says deputy press secretary Hogan Gidley. Current and former White House Medical Unit members tell CNN that last year's declaration by then-White House physician Rear Adm. Ronny Jackson that Trump was so healthy he "could live to 200" was "an embarrassment to military medicine" —especially since the exam showed the president was borderline obese and had a common form of heart disease. Jackson, who dropped out of the running for VA Secretary, is no longer the White House physician, though he was promoted last week to chief White House medical adviser, the New York Times reports. Navy officer Dr. Sean Conley will be the physician administering Friday's exam over more than three hours. ("Girthers" were skeptical of last year's results.)

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