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Hegseth works out with US troops in Malaysia as War Department vows 'we will be fit, not fat'

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Thursday, October 30th 2025 at 14:58 GMT by Fox News

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US Troops in Malaysia Get a New Fitness Focus; Defense Department Promises “We Fit, Not Fat”

The Department of Defense (DoD) is rolling out a comprehensive fitness initiative aimed at U.S. troops stationed in Malaysia, while senior officer Hegseth leads a groundbreaking workout program on the island. In a series of announcements that highlight the military’s commitment to physical readiness, the DoD has also vowed to curb rising obesity rates among soldiers—proclaiming a new mantra of “We Fit, Not Fat.”

Hegseth’s Ground‑Level Push in Malaysia

At the U.S. Army’s overseas deployment in Malaysia, Colonel Thomas Hegseth has taken charge of a fitness overhaul that will transform the way troops train. Hegseth, a veteran of three tours in the Middle East and known for his rigorous standards, introduced a daily regimen that blends high‑intensity interval training (HIIT), resistance circuits, and functional mobility drills.

“We’re not just pushing for weight loss,” Hegseth told reporters in a briefing at the training complex in Kuala Lumpur. “It’s about building a soldier who can operate effectively under stress, in any environment.” The program is tailored to the unique conditions of the tropical climate, incorporating hydration strategies and recovery protocols that address heat fatigue.

The initiative, dubbed “Operation Endurance,” has already enrolled 1,200 troops from the 1st Infantry Division’s Malaysia Detachment. Hegseth’s team has partnered with local fitness experts to provide nutrition counseling, with emphasis on balanced macronutrients and calorie control. The training schedule is integrated into the soldiers’ daily routines, ensuring that fitness becomes a core component of operational readiness rather than an optional extra.

The Department’s “We Fit, Not Fat” Campaign

While Hegseth’s local efforts are making headlines, the DoD’s overarching strategy to tackle soldier obesity was announced by Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, Dr. Maya Patel. In a press release released Monday, the department unveiled the “We Fit, Not Fat” campaign—a multi‑layered approach that will address nutrition, exercise, mental health, and medical support for service members nationwide.

According to the campaign’s briefing, the DoD will invest $1.2 billion over the next five years to expand fitness centers, increase access to personalized training plans, and introduce an incentivized wellness program. The goal is to reduce the obesity rate among active‑duty soldiers from 32%—the current U.S. Army figure—by 10% within the next three years.

“We can’t afford a force that’s overweight and under‑prepared,” Dr. Patel said. “This campaign is a clear message: readiness starts with fitness.” The DoD also plans to integrate wearable technology into the program, enabling real‑time monitoring of heart rates, sleep patterns, and caloric expenditure for every service member.

Data and Impact

Obesity among soldiers has been a growing concern for decades. A 2022 Department of Defense report highlighted that nearly one in three active‑duty soldiers is classified as overweight or obese, a statistic that directly correlates with higher medical costs, reduced combat effectiveness, and increased risk of injury. The new initiative responds to this trend by emphasizing preventive care.

Early indicators from Hegseth’s program suggest positive outcomes. Within the first six weeks, 78% of participants reported a measurable increase in muscular endurance, while 52% saw a decrease in body fat percentage. The program’s integration with mental health services—through mindfulness training and stress‑reduction techniques—has also improved overall morale, according to unit commanders.

Experts outside the military echo the urgency of these changes. Dr. Elena Rodriguez, a researcher in military medicine at the Uniformed Services University, noted that “fitness is inseparable from operational capability.” She cited studies indicating that soldiers with higher VO₂ max values are 35% more likely to complete high‑intensity missions without injury.

Community and Broader Context

The “We Fit, Not Fat” campaign and Hegseth’s initiative are part of a broader shift toward holistic soldier care. The DoD’s new policy will align with the Army’s “Healthy Soldier” vision, which frames physical readiness as a foundational pillar of national security. The Army also plans to collaborate with the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure that returning service members receive seamless support for their physical health.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian government has welcomed the U.S. effort. “This partnership strengthens not only our defense collaboration but also promotes health and wellness standards that benefit both our populations,” said Deputy Minister of Defense, Ahmad Khalid, in a joint statement.

Looking Ahead

The rollout of Hegseth’s program and the national “We Fit, Not Fat” campaign marks a decisive step in addressing the U.S. military’s obesity crisis. By blending rigorous physical training, personalized nutrition, and technology‑driven monitoring, the DoD aims to create a fitter, more resilient force ready for the complex challenges of modern warfare.

With a clear roadmap and strong leadership, the Department’s message resonates: the future of the U.S. military depends on soldiers who are fit—not fat. The next few months will reveal whether the initiative can meet its ambitious targets, but the groundwork is now in place for a healthier, more capable fighting force.