Nicolas Sarkozy’s collapse while out jogging has been attributed to his strict weight-loss regime and vigorous fitness routine. For under the stewardship of his personal trainer, Julie Imperiali, the sweet-toothed French president has ditched the chocolate and dropped two trouser sizes.

As with so many things, the wife has been blamed. But this time Carla Bruni is not at fault. The reason for his vanity project must surely be Mr Sarkozy’s fears that his bum will look too big for the electorate? Leaders must not be fat. Gym-honed Barack Obama has raised the beauty stakes. Pictures of him with a basket ball? There is no subtext here. He is a lean mean fighting machine. No amount of pilates will help Gordon Brown to scale such virile heights.