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Donald Trump's medical tests kicked off a viral #Girther conspiracy

Donald Trump's medical tests kicked off a viral #Girther conspiracy

The White House doctor revealed the results of President Donald Trump's physical on Tuesday 16 January.

While reporting the President's vitals, White House physician Ronny Jackson stated:

Age: 71 years and 7 months at the time of the exam.

Height: 75 inches.

Weight: 239 pounds.

Resting heart rate: 68.

Blood pressure: 122/74.

Pulse oximetry: 99 percent on room air.

Temperature was 98.4.

Physical examination, by system, to include any studies that were done, by system:

Eyes: The President’s uncorrected physical acuity is 20/30 bilaterally with corrected visual acuity of 20/20 bilaterally. His visual fields were normal. Funduscopic exam was normal bilaterally. His intraocular pressures were normal, and no ocular pathology was discovered.

Head, ears, nose, and throat: Normal exam of the head, ears, nose, mouth, and throat.

A few figures jumped out at reporters and Twitter users alike.

Firstly, that at 75 inches, Trump is reported to be nearly 6 ft 3 inches.

This seems unlikely.

Secondly, that his weight is supposedly only 239 pounds (17 stone):

People pointed out his diet and waistline make this figure perhaps a little ambitious. Comparisons with professional athletes were made.

People also realised that the height and weight reported put him at just under an obese BMI. Which seemed to be too convenient a calculation.

Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn was one of the first to start a movement, echoing Trump's perseverance to the Birther movement; trying to find out the truth about Trump's waistline and weight.

People also rushed to defend the President's physician:

Jackson also told reporters Trump had completed, upon the President's own request:

A cognitive screening exam using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment was normal, with a score of 30 over 30.

I had absolutely no concerns about his cognitive ability or his – you know, his neurological function. So I was not going to do a cognitive exam. I had no intention of doing one.

He added of his diet:

We discussed diet, exercise, and weight-loss. He would benefit from a diet that is lower in fat and carbohydrates, and from a routine exercise regimen. He has a history of elevated cholesterol and is currently in a low dose of Crestor.

In order to further reduce his cholesterol level and further decrease his cardiac risk, we will increase the dose of this particular medication. 

Jackson also reported of the President's current medication:

He takes Crestor, 10 milligrams daily to lower his cholesterol. He takes aspirin, 81 milligrams daily, for cardiac health. He takes Propecia, 1 milligram daily, for prevention of male-pattern hair loss. He takes Soolantra Cream, as needed, for Rosacea. And he takes a multivitamin each day for health maintenance.

More: We finally know approximately how much McDonald's Trump eats

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