Donald Trump’s return to the White House has made headlines for political reasons and because of his distinctive eating habits. Known for his love of fast food, Trump reportedly has a button in the White House that delivers a soda with just a press, and he’s frequently seen snacking on chips and pretzels. Standing at 190cm (6’2″) and weighing 110kg (242 pounds), Trump’s BMI is over 30, categorizing him as obese.
Interestingly, his eating habits are similar to those of former President Joe Biden. Biden, too, is fond of sweets like ice cream and cookies, but he has managed to maintain a normal BMI. So, what separates those who stay fit from those who don’t, even when their eating habits look strikingly similar?
Chicken vs. Cheeseburgers: The Presidential Diet Showdown
During his office, Biden favored a grilled chicken salad for lunch. Grilled chicken, with just 190 calories per 100g, is a healthy, high-protein choice (31.29g per serving) that doesn’t pack on the pounds. While Biden does enjoy snacks, his meals generally lean toward a low-carb, high-protein diet.
Trump, however, is known for indulging in high-calorie meals. He’s especially fond of fast food like hamburgers (around 1,000 calories per meal) and pizza (roughly 1,300 calories for four slices). After meals, he often treats himself to indulgent desserts, including chocolate cake (370 calories per 100g) and ice cream with chocolate chips (216 calories per 100g).
If Trump pairs a hamburger with chocolate cake for dessert, he could easily consume 1,300 calories in just one meal—nearly half of an adult’s recommended daily calorie intake.
Dr. Lee Sun Ho, CEO of 365mc Global Daejeon Hospital, explains that fast food has around 40% fat by calorie content, which makes it easy for triglycerides to accumulate in the body, potentially leading to obesity. “Eating desserts high in carbohydrates can cause visceral fat buildup, which is associated with diabetes, high blood pressure, and angina,” he said.
Trump’s Soda Habit: Is High-Fructose Corn Syrup the Culprit?
Trump is also notorious for his soda consumption. A regular can of cola (355ml) contains around 140 calories and 39g of sugar—roughly half of the World Health Organization’s recommended daily sugar intake for adults. Excessive sugar intake is a major contributor to weight gain, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
Reports suggest Trump drank up to 12 cans of soda daily during his time in office. If true, this means he consumed a staggering 1,680 calories and 468g of sugar just from soda alone daily.
Lee explains that soda’s high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is quickly broken down into simple sugars, allowing it to be absorbed rapidly in the small intestine. “HFCS is also absorbed directly by the liver, which increases the likelihood of it being converted into fat,” he said. This process can lead to fatty liver disease and insulin resistance over time.
Fructose also interferes with the secretion of leptin, a hormone that signals fullness, while lowering the suppressive effect of ghrelin, which stimulates appetite. As a result, this can lead to overeating.
The Zero-Drink Trend: Is It Really a Healthy Choice?
Many people turn to diet sodas or zero-calorie sodas to cut calories and sugar from their diets. These drinks contain few calories and use artificial sweeteners like aspartame or sucralose to provide sweetness without sugar.
However, according to Lee, zero-calorie sodas may not always be the best option. Some studies suggest that artificial sweeteners can affect the brain’s perception of sweetness, which may lead to overeating. There are also concerns that these sweeteners can disrupt the balance of gut microbiota.
“Excessive consumption of artificial sweeteners can throw off the balance of gut bacteria, which can have long-term health consequences,” Lee advises.
Struggling to Quit Soda? Try Sparkling Water as a Healthier Alternative
If you’re trying to quit soda while dieting or managing your health, consider switching to sparkling water. It gives you the same refreshing fizz without any calories or sugar. Like regular water, sparkling water can aid in metabolism, regulate body function, prevent dehydration, and even help maintain skin elasticity.
Lee explains that taste isn’t just about the sweetness or bitterness we sense on our tongues. “The aromas in sparkling water, whether natural or artificial, can trick your brain into thinking you’re drinking something more indulgent,” he said.
He noted that carbonation itself isn’t harmful, but the sugar and additives in soda are the real problems. He explained that since sugary sodas are a major contributor to rising obesity rates in both teens and adults, it’s crucial for those who drink them excessively to reduce their consumption gradually.
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