Despite otherwise first-rate health it appears that President Barack Obama is still having difficulties in giving up smoking. He has been attempting to kick the habit for a while now and according to reports is still struggling with it.

After his first medical examination since becoming president, at the Navy Hospital outside Washington yesterday, his doctors confirmed that he needed to carry on with “smoking cessation methods” as he had not yet managed to get the habit under control.

Doctors also said that “nicotine replacement therapy, self-use”, was currently being used by President Obama. When Obama was running for president he apparently pledged to his wife Michelle, that he would finally stop smoking, and last year said to reporters that he had managed to stop smoking, just having the occasional cigarette.

However, apart from the smoking his health is exceptional and his next medical is now not due until 2012. For a 48-year-old man weighing 179 pounds, with 20-20 vision and a love of playing basketball it seems that he’s doing fine. Now if only he could find that extra touch of discipline! For more on this story go to the guardian.co.uk.