Rob Ford wants to get off the gravy train — literally

The mayor of Toronto is going on a diet, according to his brother city Councillor Doug Ford.

Both Ford brothers are aiming to shed some weight as part of a New Year's resolution and for a city-wide weight loss challenge the mayor will launch next week, according to the Toronto Star. The Fords are aiming to collect pledges for charity along the way.

TWITTER REACTS TO ROB FORD'S DIET PLAN

The brothers are even going to bring scales to City Hall so they can hold weigh-ins, reports NewsTalk 1010. The scales will be of the old fashioned variety, "the only scales that would handle two heavyweights like Rob and I," said Doug.

The Ford brothers have a good reason for going on a diet. "Rob has two young kids and I have four girls. We want to be around to watch them get married and be grandparents. If you're carrying this extra weight...it's not healthy. And we know that," said Doug Ford.

By his own admission, Toronto's mayor currently weighs in at more than 300 pounds.

Macleans has reported on the mayor's penchant for root beer and Doug Ford has indicated ice cream will be a particular challenge for his brother.

Ford has faced plenty of ridicule in the press for his waistline. In March of last year, NOW Magazine caused an uproar when it printed a photoshopped photo on its cover prominently featuring Ford's naked belly.

Even the Globe And Mail ran a piece with the headline "Rob Ford’s not popular despite being fat. He’s popular because of it," although the piece was subsequently pulled from the web after widespread criticism.

HuffPost Canada blogger Ben Johnson has argued Ford's weight is a valid political issue, both because the mayor may face serious health problems while in office and because it indicates an irresponsible and short-sighted attitude.

Former mayor David Miller made headlines by dropping approximately 50 pounds while in office. If Ford can match that accomplishment he'll be well on his way to putting the gravy train jokes behind him once and for all.

TWITTER REACTS TO ROB FORD'S DIET PLAN

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