Soldiers told they must fight the flab

PLA soldiers hoping for promotion must keep an eye on the calories they consume.

Weight is to be linked to advancement for People's Liberation Army troops, according to an outline regulation on physical fitness released by China's military authorities.

As a result, soldiers may have to exercise restraint during Spring Festival feasts next week. According to the outline, a weight control plan has been drawn up for PLA troops, aimed at ensuring that 95 percent of them meet the standard weight by 2020, PLA Daily reported.