Malaysian Battle of the bulge

Malaysia's armed forces are fighting the battle of the bulge.

Too many servicemen are overweight and death rates from diseases linked to obesity have soared compared to deaths on active duty, officers say, prompting a new campaign offering rewards for chubby soldiers who eat less and exercise more.

Obese soldiers are being offered incentives to lose 22lbs in six months, a military spokesman said. The rewards are yet to be determined - but it won't be extra meals, the spokesman said.