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If Barack Obama could convince people to copy his exercise regimen, the resulting economic stimulus would be a bonanza. Forget the trillion-dollar capital infrastructure projects; Americans need to shed their love handles and slim their bellies if they want to rekindle their country's productivity.

In this Internet age, politicians are public-health models like never before. Recent images of Mr. Obama's upper body - rippled and taut - have electrified the Web. It would be regretful if the president-elect's nipple exposure has upset his family's holiday rest, but much good could come from this.

America has had physically graceful leaders before. And yet, Mr. Obama's youthful stomach offers the promise of something more. That's because Mr. Obama is a professed post-partisan. Post-partisanship - moving beyond party mud-slinging toward lasting political solutions with across-the-aisle legislative support - is a philosophy ideally suited to putting his country's obesity epidemic to heel.

On obesity, leaders of all stripes are answering the call, albeit slowly. Among America's best-known anti-obesity crusaders is former Arkansas governor and Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee, who shed more than 100 pounds (50 kilograms) through diet and exercise and released a pull-no-punches 2006 bestseller on how to do it titled Quit Digging Your Grave with a Knife and Fork.

Other high-profile leaders who have slimmed down include Canada's own Prime Minister Stephen Harper (walking), Toronto Mayor David Miller (lots of protein, including lean cuts of meat) and Rev. Al Sharpton (salad for dinner, and maybe some fish). And, at least with their rhetoric, every U.S. presidential candidate over the past year, Democrat and Republican, has acknowledged the importance of prevention and disease management in order to sustain their country's economy and health.

Senator Hillary Clinton put it thus: “The prevalence of overweight, obesity, and eating disorders is increasing at an alarming rate in this country. It is time that we recognize the causes and costs associated with poor dietary behaviours and physical inactivity and begin to focus on promoting healthy lifestyles and behaviours.”

Republican Senator John McCain: “Childhood obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure are all on the rise. We must again teach our children about health, nutrition and exercise - vital life information. Public health initiatives must be undertaken with all our citizens to stem the growing epidemic of obesity and diabetes.”

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control estimates that about one health dollar in 10 is spent to counter the ill effects of a nation that eats too much and exercises too little. One government study found that if the trends of the past three decades continue, every American adult could be overweight 40 years from now.

Here's my suggestion: America - and the rest of the world - needs to go on a virtual walk. Consider copying the Fit City Challenge (fitcitychallenge.org) or one of its variants. The goal is for participants to walk five miles a week and eat five fruits and vegetables each day, then record their progress. Communities can compete to see which comes out on top. Mr. Obama could champion this kind of initiative.

Never before have North America's leaders been so fit, yet our citizens so fat. One year of moderate exercise for every adult and child in North America could springboard our health, our spirits and our economy. And the new year is about as good a time as any to start this grand project.

Now all Mr. Obama has to do is quit smoking.

Neil Seeman is a senior resident in health system innovation at Massey College, University of Toronto, and adjunct professor of health services management at Ryerson University. He is currently writing a book on new ways of thinking about obesity.