Former President Donald Trump’s recent weight loss has stirred up fresh headlines and public curiosity. At 78, Trump has reportedly shed nearly 20 pounds compared to his 2020 weight, bringing him down from about 244 pounds to 224 pounds. His transformation has led to a mix of praise, speculation, and political attention. With a full physical report declaring him in “excellent” health, the spotlight is now on how he managed to achieve it.
Physical Report Confirms Strong Health
In April 2025, Dr. Sean Barbabella, the White House physician, released the results of Trump’s annual physical conducted at Walter Reed Medical Center. The report not only confirmed the 20-pound weight drop but also described Trump’s cognitive and physical health as excellent. He scored a perfect 30 out of 30 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment and showed no signs of neurological or psychological problems.
His resting heart rate stood at a healthy 62 beats per minute, and his blood pressure was 128 over 74. All indicators pointed to a well-maintained and monitored health condition.
Trump Credits Golf and Active Lifestyle
One of the biggest surprises in the report was the mention of golf as part of Trump’s fitness routine. The health memo specifically referenced “frequent victories in golf events,” suggesting that regular play and competition helped contribute to his improved health. Trump himself has publicly credited golf and his demanding schedule for keeping him active and burning calories.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt supported this narrative, adding that Trump sticks to long workdays and maintains a physically engaging routine. She emphasized that the former president relies on simple practices like walking the course during golf games and having meals tailored by chefs to his evolving dietary needs.
A Cleaner Diet Plays a Role
In addition to more movement, Trump is believed to have changed his eating habits. Reports from outlets like SheFinds indicate that he’s moved toward a cleaner, more balanced diet. That includes cutting out burger buns, focusing on soups, salads, and more whole foods. Even Fox News host Sean Hannity jokingly said that “binning the bun” helped Trump take off the pounds.
The shift toward nutritious meals shows a marked contrast to Trump’s earlier habits, which often included fast food and late-night snacks. This pivot may have been key in reshaping his health without requiring extreme measures.
No Injections, Says Trump
Despite his visible weight loss, questions have arisen about whether Trump may have used GLP-1-based drugs like Ozempic or Wegovy, which have grown popular for fast fat loss. These suspicions were heightened when April Ryan, a White House reporter, humorously speculated on a podcast about the use of such treatments or even shapewear.
The White House has strongly denied those claims, calling them unfounded and irresponsible. Trump himself has dismissed the idea that any pharmaceutical shortcut was behind his transformation, saying his results came the “hard way” through changes in lifestyle and effort. At this point, there’s no public evidence to suggest otherwise.
Health History Also Managed
Trump’s physical also addressed a few medical conditions. Doctors noted a benign colon polyp removed in 2024, scarring on his ear from the assassination attempt that same year, and a history of diverticulosis. These were all described as minor or under control. His cholesterol has significantly dropped, thanks to medications like rosuvastatin and ezetimibe. At one point, his cholesterol levels had been over 200, but they’ve since decreased to about 140 mg/dL.
Past medical treatments, including cataract surgery and allergy medications, were also documented but showed no complications.
Public Reactions and Mixed Views
While many of Trump’s supporters applaud his health improvements, some critics remain skeptical. They argue that such a transformation is unusual for someone his age without medical assistance. The timing has also led to political speculation, especially as Trump’s appearance continues to be a point of discussion in comparison to other political figures.
Adding fuel to the conversation, Reuters reported that Trump’s administration has pushed drugmakers like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly to lower prices on GLP-1 weight-loss medications, despite Trump denying any personal use.
Looking Ahead: Political and Personal Impacts
As Trump continues into his second presidential term, his health remains a major talking point. At 78, he is the oldest person ever elected to the office. If he completes the full term, he’ll be 82 by the end of it. That alone makes his weight loss and wellness all the more important to voters, critics, and allies alike.
His team hopes the recent physical reassures the public that he’s fit for duty. The clear contrast between his self-described active lifestyle and previous health habits may help paint a picture of resilience and renewed commitment.
Final Thoughts
Donald Trump’s 20-pound weight loss is more than a number—it represents a strategic health turnaround that’s being closely examined. With a clean bill of health, confirmed cognitive sharpness, and a more active schedule, the former president appears determined to show strength both on the golf course and in public service.
Whether it’s cleaner eating, fewer processed meals, daily movement, or sheer willpower, the evidence so far points to a deliberate effort to age well under a national spotlight. Time will tell how long these changes last, but for now, Trump’s slimmer figure and medical stats are winning attention and creating new headlines.