Weight gain around the holiday season is common. However, this year’s ongoing social distancing restrictions due to COVID-19 could present new challenges for those trying to stay in shape.

On Jan. 4, 2021, the Uniformed Services University’s Consortium for Health and Military Performance (CHAMP) launched the 2021 Total Force Fitness Challenge: Get Into Fighting Weight. This campaign will help Military Service Members recommit to their fitness and weight goals by taking on challenges that promote aspects of health and performance that can impact their weight.

“Embracing the Total Force Fitness framework is essential for weight loss, which means taking a holistic approach,” said Dr. Patricia Deuster, a professor at the Uniformed Services University and executive director of CHAMP. “This translates into forming healthy eating behaviors, making sure to get the right amount of exercise, having a positive outlook, being connected socially, committing to a realistic goal, and being ready. Success is more likely with a TFF approach than focusing on only one behavior.”

Human Performance Resources by CHAMP highlights strategies and resources from their Get Into Fighting Weight: A Total Force Fitness Guide. This guide takes an integrative approach to weight loss that is safe and sustainable. The five challenges detailed in the guide will help you learn how to set your own goals to meet your Service’s readiness standards. Each week on various social media platforms, HPRC will post resources, including live video discussions around that week’s challenge.

Someone trying to lose weight might consider dietary supplements as a quick solution to lose weight. Supplements might seem like the easiest way, but they also might not be safe or effective. Operation Supplement Safety (OPSS) joins the Challenge to help Military Service Members and healthcare providers sort through information on popular ingredients and dietary supplement products marketed for weight loss. OPSS will also post updated articles and tools daily on social media, including live video discussions.

In conjunction with Military OneSource, both HPRC and OPSS will participate in daily live events every Wednesdays in January. Tune into each chat and submit your questions in the comment section by visiting Military OneSource’s Facebook page (@MilitaryOneSource) to view and participate live. 

• Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021 at 12 p.m. EST
  - Get into Fighting Weight Challenge 2: Create a one week meal plan
• Added bonus! Friday, Jan. 15, 2021 at 12 p.m. EST
  - Get into Fighting Weight: Dietary Supplements and Weight Loss
• Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021 at 12 p.m. EST
  - Get into Fighting Weight Challenge 3: Get enough exercise
• Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021 at 12 p.m. EST
  - Get into Fighting Weight Challenge 4: Get 7-8 hours of sleep
• Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021 at 12 p.m. EST
  - Get into Fighting Weight Challenge 5: Manage stress

Each daily live event will also be available for viewing on Military OneSource’s social media pages after they air.

You can join the challenge by following HPRC (@HPRConline) and OPSS (@OPSSinfo) on social media. Follow their posts and share your progress using #TFFChallenge2021.