New Jersey Governor Chris Christie did not take kindly to criticism about his weight from former White House physician Dr. Connie Mariano. Mariano had cited Christie’s weight and health as a risk to his possible presidential candidacy.

"I'm a Republican. I like Chris Christie. I want him to run. I just want him to lose weight," Mariano told CNN on Tuesday. "I'm a physician more than I'm a Democrat or Republican. And I'm worried about this man dying in office." Mariano specifically cited concerns over Christie suffering a stroke or a heart attack.

Christie responded to reporters earnestly, but with a dash of his sharp wit.

“If she wants to get on a plane and come to New Jersey and ask me if she wants to examine me and review my medical history, I’ll have a conversation with her about that. Until that time she should shut up,” Christie told reporters at a press conference, later adding, “People who have a medical license, who have the privilege of having a medical license, should, in my view, conduct themselves more responsibly.”

“I find it fascinating that a doctor in Arizona, who’s never met me, never examined me, never reviewed my medical history or records, knows nothing about my family history could make a diagnosis from 2400 miles away," he said. "She must be a genius. She should probably be the Surgeon General of the United States.”

Christie’s weight has been a hot topic ever since his rumored run for the 2016 Presidential spot has been picking up steam. The personable, albeit occasionally brash, governor has become accustomed to the pokes at his larger-than-life physique, and even exchanged a few zingers with Late Show host David Letterman recently, going so far as to pull out a donut midway through the interview.

—Hal Sundt

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