Penza Region governor orders ministers to lose weight

The Penza Region's Governor Vasily Bochkarev on Monday launched a campaign to improve health of regional government officials. The head of the region at a meeting gave instructions to some officials to lose weight so that their appearance to be a picture to promote a healthy lifestyle. According to the governor's plans, the Penza Region must be the first in Russia where professional work will be launched to teach principles of healthy eating to people. Bochkarev said that officials should draw up their individual health improving programmes. After the words in general, the governor gave concrete directions -- to Health Minister Vladimir Stryuchkov to lose 16 kg in six months. Similar directions were given to Minister of Forestry and Natural Resources Nikolai Argatkin and Deputy Chairman of the regional Sport Committee Vladimir Zhuchkov. Special requirements should be set for senior health, education and sport officials, Bochkarev believes. "If you have not lost weight, not improved your condition, you must quit the government," he said. It is not the first attempt of the Penza governor to improve the image of his officials. Last summer, Bochkarev suggested imposing regular testing for them to check their physical condition.