There seems to be more weighing on Mr. Harper these days

Harper shed a few pounds prior to the last election campaign, but he appears to have packed them back on in recent weeks

Macleans.ca staff
<p>Prime Minister Stephen Harper arrives at the First Ministers and Aboriginal Leaders meeting in Ottawa Thursday Jan. 15, 2009. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld</p>

Prime Minister Stephen Harper arrives at the First Ministers and Aboriginal Leaders meeting in Ottawa Thursday Jan. 15, 2009. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

Stephen Harper has in past acknowledged that keeping his weight down is a struggle. Shortly after his election in 2006, the PM confided to a Quebec TV host that the battle of the bulge has been the “problem of my life.” Harper shed a few pounds prior to the last election campaign, but he appears to have packed them back on in recent weeks. At his past few public appearances, the PM has looked noticeably heavier than he did late last year. Of course, standing next to the considerably leaner Barack Obama this week was bound to be unflattering to Harper. Still, it’s probably a good thing he skipped Obama’s trek to the ByWard Market for a sickly-sweet, deep-fried Beaver Tail.

2007

Harper in 2007

2008

Harper in 2008

2009

Harper in 2009