It has to be said, election campaigns are tough on the old waistline.

There's food everywhere: On the plane, in the filing rooms, on the bus. Everywhere. And drinks, too. Lots of calorie-laden pops, and beers and wines. And with 16-hour campaign days being just about normal, there's no time to walk or run or even go to the gym.

As a result, by the end of a five week election campaign, the combined total weight of the 300-some odd member Parliamentary Press Gallery has usually increased by almost a tonne — which is to say, between two and four kilograms per member. Or between five and 10 pounds each, for those still keeping track the old way.

Politicians and their staffers, though, sometimes have it much worse. Reporters, at least, have to work work work, during those filing hours. The political staff often have nothing to do but complain and eat.

On the 2006 Liberal campaign for instance, the entire communications staff added at least a notch each to their belts. Most of that, of course, due to beer and popcorn (or perhaps the stress caused by comments related thereto).

In fact, rumour has it, Paul Martin had to retire his "good-butt jeans" after Christmas.

But here's a surprise: During the first week of this campaign Jack Layton has lost three pounds. That's more than a kilo. Impressive, especially considering Layton spent more than 22 hours in a plane last week.

Layton says despite the long hours and early starts, he's not missing his daily work-outs.

In fact, Layton says he's working out even harder — longer, too.

— James Cudmore