While he was certainly not our heaviest president, that distinction goes to William Taft who tipped the scales past the 300 mark, Bill Clinton did struggle a little with a few extra pounds. Sure, he may be more known for his ravenous sexual appetite, but Clinton also had a reputation for his love of McDonald’s.
Even though President Clinton was seen jogging with secret service by his side, he was also known for devouring donuts. It’s no wonder that he continued to have weight problems. Early in Bill Clinton’s first term, Hillary asked renowned cardiologist Dr. Dean Ornish to work with White House chefs to devise a menu for the President. Even with these changes, Clinton continued to have issues with his weight through both terms.
In 1999, the White House physician noted at Clinton’s annual physical that he put on 18 pounds since a checkup from two years earlier. The president was asked to focus on exercise and a low-calorie diet.
President Clinton has a family history of heart disease, which explains why in 2004 after feeling tightness in his chest, he underwent quadruple bypass surgery. Further complications meant he had to go under the knife again last year when it was discovered he needed to have two stents installed to open one of the veins from his bypass surgery.
Even though the president had lowered his calorie and cholesterol intake, his genetic makeup was such that he had to take it much further. Now Clinton proclaims he’s given up meat and dairy, even though he admits to having a bite of turkey last Thanksgiving. He’s since lost 20 pounds and feels much better.
“All my blood tests are good, and my vital signs are good, and I feel good, and I also have, believe it or not, more energy,” said Clinton. His ultimate goal is to reach 185 pounds, which is where he was at when he was just 13 years old.
(via: CNN)