Tavis Smiley . Special Feature . Road to Health . Guest . Gov. Mike Huckabee

Gov. Mike Huckabee

Republican—AK

I put the focus on losing weight, and that never worked.

Q: How did you turn your health around?

It really was the doctor sitting me down and saying, "Here's the deal. You're a type-a personality. You've just been diagnosed type 2 diabetes. And if you don't make some changes—and I'm talking serious changes—here's the last decade of your life and what's gonna happen."

Q: Has seeing their governor lose weight impacted your constituents?

Well, it has, and I get people who come up to me, write me, e-mail me literally by the scores every day. "Governor, my wife and I have lost 60 pounds. We decided, by golly, if you can do it, we can, too."

Q: How did you and Bill Clinton team up to deal with childhood obesity?

Well, he called me a few weeks ago and asked would I join him for this Heart Association initiative on child obesity, and, of course, I was delighted to. One of the things that we've gotta do with the health issue is depoliticize it. This is not a polarizing issue. People who are unhealthy don't care whether you're a Democrat or a Republican.

Mike Huckabee is one of Arkansas' longest serving governors. The ordained Baptist minister is a staunch health care advocate. Recently, he partnered with another Hope, Ark., native son, President Bill Clinton, in a campaign to combat child obesity.

Related Episode

May 17th, 2005

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Recommended Web Sites

Weight Loss Matters includes tip sheets for those who have or are at risk for type 2 diabetes.

The Weight-Control Information Network includes science-based information on obesity, weight control, physical activity and related nutritional issues.

Aim for Fitness explains how to maintain a healthy weight.

Published: September 15, 2005