Skip main navigation

Military Health System

Clear Your Cache

Health.mil has undergone a recent update. For the best user experience we recommend clearing your browser cache.

Get into fighting weight with the 2021 Total Force Fitness Challenge

Image of Soldier, wearing a mask, with fists ready to punch. The Defense Health Agency encourages all beneficiaries to ‘Get Into Fighting Weight.'

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. 

You also may be interested in...

Video
Dec 9, 2024

Warrior Care: A Marine Finds Community with Art

Warrior Care: A Marine Finds Community with Art

Lance Cpl Sara Vanegas is a Marine with the Wounded Warriors Batallion East at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD. She is a talented artist who is finding community through her art and the Warrior Care Program. Learn more about the many resources and programs available at health.mil/warriorcare.

Video
Sep 26, 2023

TRICARE Physical Therapy

TRICARE Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can aid in the recovery process from injury or illness. This video will break down TRICARE's coverage of physical therapy.

Video
Nov 18, 2022

Winter Safety: Frostbite

Winter Safety Frostbite

Playing in the snow can be fun, but the fun can fade if one becomes victim to hypothermia or frostbite. Staying out in the cold for extended periods of time can cause cold-related problems and put health in jeopardy, so learn how to avoid, spot, and treat these conditions. Also, keep other vulnerable populations in mind and check on loved ones. ...

Video
Nov 18, 2022

Winter Safety: Hunting

Winter Safety Hunting

Being outdoors in the autumn and winter can be a great way to get fresh air and exercise. For many, the cooler weather also means hunting season which can pose dangers, sending hunters to the hospital or worse. Heart attacks, injured backs and broken bones are among the most common medical emergencies in hunting. #huntsafewearorange

Video
Nov 18, 2022

Winter Safety: Driving Safety

DHA Seal

Content Leonard Jones from Air Force Safety Center Risk Management aka “Dr. Love” demonstrates how to best clean your windshield in the snow of snow and ice to keep drivers line of vision clear. #cleanyourwindshield

Video
Nov 18, 2022

Winter Safety: Do Your Part

Photo of "Dr. Love," Mr. A1 Jones

Leonard Jones from Air Force Safety Center Risk Management aka “Dr. Love” shares life-saving winter tips for you and your family during the fall and winter months. #holidaysafe

Video
Nov 18, 2022

Winter Safety: Winter Drinking

Winter Safety video

Driving during winter can be hazardous and scary, especially in regions that receive a lot of snow and ice this time of year. Additional preparations can help make a trip safer. It is important to follow the safe winter driving practices. The holidays are full of cheer and merriment. Follow these tips to keep you and your loved ones safe and prepared ...

Video
Nov 18, 2022

Winter Safety: Fire Safety

Winter Safety, Fire Safety

There’s nothing cozier than spending time next using a fireplace, furnace, or heater to keep warm as the weather turns colder. But they do present certain safety hazards. #firesafemeanslongerlife

Skip subpage navigation
Refine your search
Last Updated: February 25, 2025
Follow us on Instagram Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Facebook Follow us on X Follow us on YouTube Sign up on GovDelivery