Boris Johnson is poised to wage war on obesity after his coronavirus brush with death.
NHS England this week revealed a quarter of Covid-19 patients who have died in English hospitals since March 31 – when pre-existing conditions began to be reported – had diabetes, which is often linked to obesity.
The 5ft 9ins Prime Minister, who tipped the scales at 17.5st before contracting the disease and ending up in intensive care told senior ministers and advisers: "I've changed my mind on this" after previously shying away from interventionist policies, it was reported.
He commented "it's all right for you thinnies" when discussing the bug in Downing Street, according to The Times.
Earlier this week it was reported that when Mr Johnson was asked how to avoid coronavirus, he replied: "Don't be a fatty in your fifties."
The Prime Minister's spokesman said: "It is critical to understand how different factors such as ethnicity, deprivation, age, gender and obesity could be disproportionately impacting how people are affected by coronavirus.
"Public Health England launched a review into the factors affecting health outcomes from Covid-19, to include ethnicity, gender and obesity.
“This will be published by the end of May.
"As we outlined on our recovery strategy this Government will invest in preventative and personalised solutions to ill-health, helping individuals to live healthier and more active lives."
The PM's New Year resolution in January 2019 was to shed pounds, as he revealed he had ditched "late-night binges of chorizo and cheese".
He also cut his alcohol intake last year when preparing to become Conservative leader.
Mr Johnson vowed to quit boozing last winter until Brexit was completed – only to then pose for pictures sipping pints.
