If Barack Obama could convince America to copy his exercise regimen, the resulting economic stimulus would be a bonanza. Forget the $1 trillion capital infrastructure projects: Americans need to shed their love handles and slim their bellies if they want to rekindle their nation’s productivity.

Politicians are public health models like never before in this Internet age. The photograph of Mr. Obama’s upper body – rippled and taut – electrified the Web. I regret if the president-elect’s nipple exposure upset the Obama family’s rest. But much good could come from this.

We have had physically graceful leaders before in America. 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 partisan mud-slinging to land on lasting political solutions with cross-party legislative supports – is a philosophy ideally suited to putting America’s obesity epidemic to heel.

On obesity, Liberal and Conservative leaders are answering the call – slowly. Among America’s best-known anti-obesity crusaders is former Arkansas Governor and Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee, who shed 50 kilograms (over 100 pounds) through diet and exercise and released a pull-no-punches 2006 bestseller on how to do it: Quit Digging Your Grave with a Knife and Fork.

Other high-profile leaders who have slimmed down include our own Stephen Harper (through walking) and the Reverend Al Sharpton (“Salad for dinner (maybe some fish)”). And, at least with their rhetoric, every US presidential candidate over the past year, Democrat and Republican, has acknowledged the importance of prevention and disease management in order to sustain that country’s economy and good health.

Sen. 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 behaviors and physical inactivity and begin to focus on promoting healthy lifestyles and behaviors.”

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 US 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 US government study found that if the trends of the past three decades continue, every US 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 (with many variants now popping up around the world). Under FitCity (fitcitychallenge.org), the goal is for participants to walk five miles per week and eat five fruits and vegetables each day, then record their progress through an interactive, supportive Website. Communities can compete to see which one comes out on top. Barack Obama can champion this initiative.

Never before – across North America – have our leaders been so fit yet our citizens so fat. Barack Obama, Stephen Harper and Michael Ignatieff should all take advantage of this political moment. 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 as time as any to start this grand project.

Now all Mr. Obama has to do is finally give up 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.