Warren Buffett, the 94-year-old CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, defended his love for junk food and lack of exercise during his company’s annual meeting on Saturday. Buffett, who had two cans of Coca-Cola and a box of snacks in front of him, said that his age is proof that indulging in junk food has not harmed him. “At 94 years of age, I’ve been able to drink whatever I like to drink,” Buffett said as he picked up one of his Coke cans.
He added that despite the many health warnings about soda, it has not been a problem for him or his late business partner, Charlie Munger. “Charlie and I never exercised all that much—we focused on preserving ourselves carefully,” Buffett joked, which made the audience laugh. Buffett also said that the wear and tear on the bodies of professional athletes is a warning against too much exercise.
Diet and longevity insights
Instead, he has stuck to a diet that includes McDonald’s breakfasts, hot dogs, fries, popcorn, cookies, candy, and Dairy Queen ice cream. His love for these foods is also shown in his business investments.
Coca-Cola and Kraft Heinz are two of Berkshire Hathaway’s biggest positions, and the company has also bought companies like See’s Candies. “I think happiness makes an enormous amount of difference in terms of longevity,” Buffett said in a 2023 interview. “And I’m happier when I’m indulging in the foods I love.”
So, Warren Buffett continues to go against common ideas about diet and exercise.
He says that his long and successful life is due to a mix of happiness and indulgence.
