The Spanish Legion is to put thousands of its soldiers on a weight loss plan amid concerns that paunchy physiques may be tarnishing the image of the elite force, it was reported on Thursday.

The country’s legionnaires became the object of Twitter lust last year after users noted their low cut uniforms at military parades . But such chiselled frames may not be the norm, according to an internal document reported by the Spanish daily El Pais.

The report, drawn up by the Brigade of the Legion’s Central Command, says 3000 soldiers must undergo Body Mass Index (BMI) testing followed by a year-long monitored programme of diet and exercise for those found to be overweight.

“BRILEG (The Brigade of the Legion) finds itself immersed in a situation which demands a series of measures to reduce excess weight among its personnel,” it says, calling for swift action against what has become a “difficult scenario”.