Peruvian president, Cabinet hold meetings while working out outside palace

LIMA, Aug. 5 (UPI) -- Peru's recently elected president, Pedro Pablo Kucsynski, worked out outside of Lima's government palace during a meeting with members of his Cabinet.

Kucsynski, 77, assumed office in July after winning in Peru's presidential elections in June. Peruvian Minister of Health Patricia Garcia said the work-out sessions will occur every week to promote exercise to improve health and reduce obesity.

"The scientific evidence is overwhelming: Physical activity maintains health, prevents disease, helps the physical and mental well-being. We believe that this activity has to do with teaching by example," Garcia told reporters.

The ministry of health said 53 percent of Peruvians over the age of 15 are either overweight or obese.

Just two members of Kucsynski's cabinet were absent from exercises -- Education Minister Jaime Saavedra and Agriculture Minister Jose Manuel Hernandez Calderon.

Peru's Health Ministry released a video in in the Spanish language in which Kucsynski and the Cabinet members seen being led through exercises with the help of two instructors.