In a controversial policy enacted by the Texas Department of Public Safety, more than 200 state troopers will have to lose weight and slim down by December in order to keep their jobs.
Men with waists over 40 inches and women over 35 inches now have to track and share their weight loss efforts with the department, according to documents obtained by The Dallas Morning News.
One officer pledged to "drink no more than one diet soda each day," in a fitness improvement plan, and another set out to "drastically cut sugar intake in all its forms," as well as avoid fast food.
Officers who don't lose weight by the end of the year can be denied promotions and overtime and even removed from enforcement duties altogether even if they pass all other required physical tests.
Critics say this waist requirement is "arbitrary, unfairly harsh on women, and doesn't directly relate to an officer's job duties."
The Texas Department of Public Safety Officers Association said in a statement: "DPS is continuing in its plan to harass, discipline, and even discharge outstanding officers for not meeting its physical fitness testing standards and appearance standards."
However, department leaders insist a trim midsection is necessary for officers to have a commanding "presence" in dealings with the public.
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