What do you imagine Barak Obama's greatest problem might be when he sits down in the Oval office? Is it going to be the worst financial crisis in 100 years, Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran, Israel/Palestine, Iran, recession....? The list is long and very, very daunting. It's difficult to know why he ever wanted the job - he'll probably ask himself the same question frequently over the next four years.
However, one of the greatest problems the nation faces won't be on his list. It is probably one of the most important things he could influence - and let's hope he does. You see, he has the weight of the nation on his shoulders. - it's the obesity crisis.
The obesity crisis is a problem for the president...for the nation? Isn't this a personal issue? Well, it's certainly personal, but it is very much a national issue too. Over 64 of the population is overweight. One third is obese. This is a problem that is sapping the nation's energy and restricting its performance.
A nation that is overweight and unfit is never going to be able to operate at its optimum and in the coming years we're going to have to step up to the mark as never before. Are we going to be able to do so? It's questionable.
Unless something is done there are going to be some very unpleasant shocks along the line. The nation's health care system is likely to buckle under the strain of weight related diseases. A tsunami is going to hit our hospitals. There is going to be a massive sapping of the nation's energy just dealing with the problem. In people's personal lives, it is going to be devastating. Old age for so many people will be a total nightmare.
What can Barak Obama do about it? Well, while he has the nation's attention he needs to be brave and say a few things that some folks don't want to hear. He needs to shock the nation into adopting healthier lifestyles. He needs to talk change in personal behavior.
What's the way out? It's what Barak Obama has been preaching - change. People need to change their behaviors by learning new habits - slim habits.
Barak Obama is probably going to have an enormous influence on the nation's future, he would be wise to influence the weight of the nation or the weight on his shoulders is going to be very heavy indeed.