Weighty Matters: Mike Huckabee Gains 25 Lbs., 'Biggest Loser' Comes to D.C.

Mike Huckabee, a weight-loss advocate, lamented Wednesday that he has gained weight recently due to a painful foot condition that has limited his ability to run. "I gotta drop 25 pounds," he told reporters at a breakfast in Washington, D.C., sponsored by the Christian Science Monitor. Huckabee is the author of "Quit Digging Your Grave With a Knife and Fork: A 12-Stop Program to End Bad Habits and Begin a Healthy Lifestyle."

Reporters noticed that the tie-less Huckabee was looking quite a bit plumper than during his campaign heyday. The former Arkansas governor and likely 2012 Republican presidential candidate "passed on the scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage and home fries," said one reporter.

Andrea Stone, senior Washington correspondent for AOL's recently launched news site, Sphere, reports that Huckabee, who has completed several marathons, told a group of reporters after the breakfast that he cut back on running because of plantar fasciitis on his feet. He said the pain comes on suddenly and is "a real nightmare."

("I still run, but not more than 3 miles at a time. . . not the 10-12 and more milers before. . . . I'll be back to full speed in a few months!" Huckabee said in an e-mail I received from his spokeswoman.)

In 2003, Huckabee weighed over 300 pounds and was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes. Motivated to get healthy, he lost over 100 pounds with diet and exercise. In 2005, Huckabee wrote his motivational book on healthy eating and exercise habits.

Coincidentally, this week's episode of NBC's "The Biggest Loser" takes place in Washington. On Tuesday night's show, the contestants talked about obesity and health issues with Sens. Kristen Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and Bob Casey (D-Pa.) on the Hill.

Then, in physical challenges, the contestants raced to pick up the most pennies off the steps behind the Lincoln Memorial, held large plastic balls over their heads while standing in front of the U.S. Capitol, and did step-ups in front of the White House.

The contestants -- vying to see who can lose the most weight through diet and exercise -- also met with President Obama's personal chef, Sam Kass.

If the campaign doesn't take off this year, maybe Mike Huckabee will be a contestant on the next season of "The Biggest Loser."

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