Sharon undecided about changing diet after stroke

JERUSALEM – Ariel Sharon, Israel’s superweight prime minister, is renowned for his steel will, but there is one thing that just might be stronger than “the Bulldozer” – his appetite.

The 77-year-old politician was released from the hospital Tuesday, two days after a mild stroke, and got an earful from his doctors about losing weight. But aides said he has not yet decided whether he will resist his love of all things meaty.

Before the stroke, Sharon reportedly had a meal with family and friends that included hamburgers, steak, lamb chops, shish kebab and chocolate cake. After leaving the hospital, he ate Chinese noodles.

Sharon’s illness raised questions about his health as he prepares to run for a third term in office as head of his new Kadima Party. The prime minister brushed off concerns as he left Hadassah Hospital.

“Now I have to rush back to work,” Sharon told reporters. Asked about the stroke’s effects, he said, “I don’t think it will affect my functioning.”

Sharon was rushed to the hospital Sunday night after complaining of weakness and showing signs of confused speech. Though obesity is not a direct risk factor for strokes, related problems, such as high cholesterol, are, doctors say.

The prime minister, who is about 5-foot-7, suffered no damage from the stroke, but his doctors insisted he lose weight.

President Bush added his own advice in a telephone call Tuesday, telling Sharon to “be careful about food, start exercising and cut back on work hours,” according to an Israeli government statement.

“Be careful, my friend,” Bush was quoted as saying.