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Donald Trump 'did well' on cognitive exam but could benefit from more exercise, says White House doctor

The President has expressed 'he would like to lose 10 to 15 pounds' 

Alexandra Wilts
Washington DC
Tuesday 16 January 2018 23:38 GMT
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Trump's doctor says Donald is in great health for his age, citing 'incredible genes'

Donald Trump performed “well” on a cognitive screening exam but the President could benefit from a low-fat diet and more exercise, a White House doctor has said.

“All clinical data indicates that the president is currently very health and that he will remain so for the duration of his presidency,” said Dr Ronny Jackson, who conducted the president's physical and cognitive exams last week.

Mr Trump’s erratic behaviour in office has prompted some to question his mental health.

In a series of tweets earlier this month, Mr Trump insisted he was mentally fit and described himself a “very stable genius”.

Dr Jackson said Mr Trump “did well” on the cognitive testing, but noted that the exam was limited to a screening for cognitive impairment and was not part of a larger psychological examination.

“I have no concerns about his cognitive ability,” Dr Jackson told reporters. He said he had not originally planned to administer the screening for neurological impairments, but did so at the President’s request.

“I’ve found no reason whatsoever to think the President has any issues whatsoever with his thought processes,” Dr Jackson said.

The doctor said Mr Trump scored 30 out of 30 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, which according to its website is a “cognitive screening test designed to assist Health Professionals in the detection of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease.”

He added rgar the President is 6-foot-3 and weighs 239 pounds. This places his just below the “obese” range on the body mass index.

“It is called genetics,” Dr Jackson said when asked how a borderline obese man on cholesterol-lowering medication could be considered in excellent health. “I don’t know. Some people have great genes.”

Mr Trump does not smoke or drink alcohol.

He and Mr Trump discussed losing weight and exercising, Dr Jackson said, and that the President has expressed “he would like to lose 10 to 15 pounds”.

Mr Trump currently “doesn’t have a dedicated, defined exercise programme,” the doctor said. But he added that gym facilities in the White House residence will be renovated to Mr Trump’s specifications.

The doctor also recommended that Mr Trump begin a diet lower in fats and carbohydrates.

“He’s more enthusiastic about the diet part than the exercise part, but we’re going to do both,” Dr Jackson said.

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