National Guard Leader Told To Lose Weight By Gov And Pentagon

By R. Siva Kumar - 23 Sep '15 12:44PM

The National Guard leader of New Jersey, Air Force Brig. Gen. Michael L. Cunniff is overweight. Gov. Chris Christie has given him three months to become fit, according to Yahoo! News.

So far, he has avoided various physical fitness tests, and has been upbraided by the Pentagon for his weight issues. "The governor has expressed directly to the general that his failure to meet that standard or to provide notification of his formal reprimand is both unacceptable and disappointing," spokesperson Kevin Roberts said.

In 2013, his physical fitness tests revealed that his waist size was 4.5 inches bigger than the standard. "I do recognize that military members and leaders, like myself, are held to a higher standard. I take this matter seriously and am taking the necessary steps to remedy this issue," Cunniff said.

As he has so far had a number of issues with his weight, he was subjected to surgery in 2013 to manage his eating habits.

Currently, he is in a drive for the Republican primary election, according to HNGN. With the help of a nutritionist, began a "rigorous physical fitness program," he said.