Bo lightens up

The fact that your family puts a premium on healthy eating and physical fitness is no guarantee that you won't experience some struggles with your weight from time to time.

Just ask Bo Obama.

According to U.S. News and World Report,  the First Family is trying to restrict their Portuguese Water Dog's food intake. During a recent White House event for children, President Obama asked the young guests to refrain from dropping table scraps on the floor. "Bo is on a diet," the President explained. "He will eat anything he sees."

We note with interest that First Lady Michelle Obama has focused a lot of attention on childhood obesity and on healthy eating -- and we applaud the First Family's commitment to helping their dog regain his sleek physique. More than half the nation's companion animals are overweight. Such excess poundage can put these pets at risk for problems such as heart disease and diabetes. And their overall lifespans are likely to be shorter, too.

Click here to learn how to determine whether your dog is overweight. And if he is, click here for tips on how to help him take off weight safely.