Thirty-eight soldiers have been prescribed slimming pills in the past two years, as part of the Defence Forces' fight against flab.

The military have been "actively pursuing" a policy of increased personal fitness and the maintenance of an appropriate weight for the past seven years, said the Minister for Defence, Mr Smith.

The drug is described as a lipase inhibitor, which reduces fat absorption and is prescribed for obese patients. Military medical stores first ordered it in April, 1999. Their medical authorities believe "it is medically ethical and cost-effective", the Minister said.

Personnel had to lose at least 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs) over four consecutive weeks, to demonstrate "an ability to markedly restrict fat in their diet" before the drug was prescribed.

The Minister was replying to Dr Mary Upton (Labour) who had asked how many personnel had been prescribed the drug.