You Look So Thin, Darling!

Ron Darling, the Mets broadcaster and former Mets pitcher, became a spokesperson for Weight Watchers Online for Men. He wasn't the first and won't be the last of the 'athletic figures' to see their waistlines turn to mush before their very eyes. This was back in 2007 when he lost 30 pounds [insert disclaimer], weight loss not typical.

This got me to thinking about Chris Christie who is getting tons (pun not intended) of criticism for his girth rather than his policies. Christie just celebrated his 49th birthday this past September. He has four great kids ages 18, 15, 11 and 8. The best thing he could do for himself and his family would be to lose some weight.

The Centers for Disease Control has this to say about health and obesity on their website:

The Health Effects of Overweight and Obesity
Research has shown that as weight increases to reach the levels referred to as "overweight" and "obesity,"* the risks for the following conditions also increases:¹

• Coronary heart disease
• Type 2 diabetes
• Cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon)
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Dyslipidemia (for example, high total cholesterol or high levels of triglycerides)
• Stroke
• Liver and Gallbladder disease
• Sleep apnea and respiratory problems
• Osteoarthritis (a degeneration of cartilage and its underlying bone within a joint)
• Gynecological problems (abnormal menses, infertility)

*Overweight is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher; obesity is defined as a BMI of 30 or higher.

So while it may seem that the media is piling on when it comes to Christie and his weight they really are doing him a favor. Since Christie keeps telling us he doesn't think the time is right for his presidential run, how about this: Get a spokesperson job with one of the thousands of WW-type programs are out there, become svelte and smashing and then in 2016 run like the wind towards 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Not only will your kids thank you but your heart will as well.