Past Presidents’ Physicals: What We Know So Far

CNN looked at old reports from physical exams of former presidents. These reports usually include basic information like height, weight, and blood pressure. But they also include details like how Obama’s doctor removed a skin tag, how George H. W. Bush’s doctor drained a cyst on his finger, and how Gerald Ford’s doctor pushed for a swimming pool at the White House.

Presidential candidates aren’t required to share the results of their medical exam, but Jackson did so during a meeting on Tuesday and said on Friday that Trump was in “excellent health.”

Here is a look at how healthy past leaders were based on the exams they had.

In July 1976, Ford had another physical. During this visit, his doctor said, “He has had no complaints … other than mild discomfort in his knee following periods of prolonged standing. The President has maintained his physical capacity for long working hours. He sleeps very well and continues to follow his diet and weighs between 195 and 198 pounds.”

Ford’s doctor wrote in 1975 that “the completion of the new White House swimming pool will provide him with short intervals for relaxation that can easily be fitted into his busy schedule.”

“I would like to take the time to acknowledge those citizens who, by their contributions, make a swimming pool available for the President in the White House,” Dr. William Lukash said at a press meeting in January 1976. “I might add that the President was reluctant to use the pool during the winter months because of his concern about energy conservation. I spoke to him about this and felt it was to his advantage to have the use of this pool because I thought it would be an improvement in his sense of well-being and make him more conducive to his feeling better the next day. … The President swims approximately 24 lengths of the pool, which adds up to about a quarter of a mile, and he does this in about 14 minutes.”

Ronald Reagan from 1981 to 1989

Bush’s press assistant said in a statement that a “sebaceous cyst on the third finger of his left hand was drained. The President is wearing a Band-Aid on the finger, which he can remove within the next few hours. This cyst has been present for many years and does not present a medical problem.”

“In excellent health,” Reagan was told by the White House physician after being checked out by 14 experts in October 1981. Notably, he said that the president had “fully recovered” from the gunshot wounds he got in March 1981 during an attempt on his life.

Related Posts

Green Onions, Scallions, Spring Onions & Chives: How to Tell the Difference and Use Them Right

It’s easy to confuse green onions, scallions, spring onions, and chives when they’re sitting side by side in the produce aisle. They share a similar color palette…

How Hollywood Responds When Tragedy Strikes: Understanding the Process Behind the Headlines

When unexpected news emerges from the entertainment world, it often spreads rapidly across social media and news platforms. In moments involving a well-known industry figure, emergency responders…

Jesse Jackson scandal resulted in a daughter born out of wedlock — today, she’s all grown up

Jesse Jackson, a defining voice in the American civil rights movement, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2026, at age 84. He was surrounded by his wife…

At 74, Jay Leno planning for death, leaves chunk of cash to cars – ‘no one lives forever’

Jay Leno, 74, is preparing to step away from the spotlight while making significant personal and philanthropic plans. Known for his love of cars, Leno is arranging…

Mum Who Lost 16½ Stone Told to Gain Weight to Qualify for NHS Excess-Skin Surgery

Lisa Smith, 44, from St Helens, Merseyside, says she has been placed in a baffling position after being told she must gain weight in order to qualify…

Winter Olympics risks ‘disaster’ as cross country skiers chased to finish line by surprise competitor

The 2026 Winter Olympics have already been full of surprises, but a recent incident at a cross-country skiing event in Italy might take the cake: a dog…