Obama in excellent health, lowers his cholesterol level

President Obama rarely takes a day off from the gym and it shows, according to his latest physical exam. The president is in excellent health, lowering his cholesterol level and gaining muscle since his last exam, his personal physician reported last week.

Obama, 54, weighed in at 175 pounds, about five less than at his last assessment, in 2014. The 6-foot-1 Obama is focusing on healthy lifestyle choices and exercises daily with a focus on aerobics fitness and resistance weight training, said physician Ronny L. Jackson.

Jackson said Obama takes vitamin D and Nexium, as needed, for occasional acid reflux, and he occasionally uses nicotine gum. He said Obama "remains tobacco-free and only drinks alcohol occasionally and in moderation." His total cholesterol has dropped from 213 to 188. He said the president also eats a healthy diet, which first lady Michelle Obama has prioritized in her Let's Move! initiative to reduce childhood obesity.

His LDL, or "bad," cholesterol, is at 125, in the recommended range. His HDL, or "good" cholesterol level, is 68, which is above the recommended minimum of 60. His blood pressure was 110/68, in the normal category.