In doing so, might he inspire an overweight nation?

The Obama Administration has declared health care reform to be one of its top priorities, and nothing would go further to resuscitate the health care system than the lightening of America.

In 2004, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ranked obesity as the No. 1 health threat facing the nation. A recent study published in JAMA said obesity results in an estimated 400,000 deaths annually, and NIH estimates the health care costs at nearly $122.9 billion a year.

Imagine the positive impact to the system if we could reverse the obesity trend.

Such a reversal starts with children, who are growing fatter by the minute. Barack and Michelle Obama seem to have a knack for inspiring kids. Maybe Barack’s six-days-a-week workout regimen (a mix of weights and cardio) will inspire some of them to put down the video-game controller and get out and exercise.

That goes for the older generations too. Barack, at age 47, isn’t just talking healthy living; he’s modeling good habits in advance of revealing his plan for reforming health care.

Obama has inspired me. If the soon-to-be leader of the free world can find time to exercise daily, I certainly can. Now that I’m 40, I really should lose my baby fat.

And perhaps during brisk walks during lunch hour, I will discover an Obama flaw.

He can’t really be perfect. Can he?

P.S.  Before many of you remind me that Obama is a former smoker — and perhaps a current closet smoker — spare me. He seems to have worked hard to kick the habit and has vowed to Michelle that the White House will be smoke-free during his Administration. Now, take that literally, and Obama certainly could find a corner of the White House gardens for a quick smoke, but whatever. He’s trying.