President joins overweight army of the overweight
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Could it be that George Bush - teetotaller, workout fanatic and arguably the fittest American president of modern times - is joining the army of the overweight?
This weekend Mr Bush had his regular physical examination and the news was not encouraging. The President, 5ft 11ins tall, has gained 5lb since his last medical, and weighs just under 200lb, or 14st 4lb.
That gives him a body mass index of 27.1, on a scale where 25 or above is classified as overweight. "I've obviously gone through a campaign where I ate too many doughnuts," the President said, referring to a well-known hazard of running for election.
"My new year's resolution has become apparent after stepping on the scales."
For the rest, though, the 58-year-old President is in physical shape that would flatter men half his age.
His blood pressure was 110/60, well below the recommended upper limit of 120/80. Even his body fat index of 18.25 per cent, though up from 14.5 per cent at his check-up in August last year, was within the normal range of a person his age.
According to Mr Bush's doctors, he exercises six days a week, including 15 to 20 miles of mountain-biking at 15mph, weightlifting and low impact jogging on an upwardly inclined treadmill.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments