New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie tells National Guard leader to lose weight

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is getting heat following a Washington Post investigation into dysfunction within the state's National Guard, specifically leadership choices he made after taking office five years ago.

Aside from complaints about racism, cronyism, and a "demeaning and toxic" culture, the Post highlights Air Force Brig. General Michael Cunniff's inability to stay within the militia's weigh requirement. The Pentagon reportedly reprimanded Cunniff last year after repeatedly missing required physical-fitness tests.

Christie, who wasn't aware Cunniff had received a warning until the story broke, has given the general 90 days to meet the U.S. military's fitness requirements.

"The Governor has expressed directly to the General that his failure to meet that standard or to provide notification of his formal reprimand is both unacceptable and disappointing," spokesman Kevin Roberts said in an e-mailed statement to the Post.

It is unclear how much weight the general is expected to lose, but an Associate Press inquiry found Cunniff flunked a similar test in November 2013 when his waist line measured 4.5 inches longer than was allowed.

"Many people struggle with weight control - I am not immune from this. Just as I afford every opportunity to each Soldier and Airmen to meet these standards, so will I," Cunniff said in a statement released by the National Guard. "I take this matter seriously and am taking the necessary steps to remedy this issue by being involved in a rigorous physical fitness program and have sought the assistance of a nutritionist."

Christie has battled his own weight problems, secretly underwent lap-band surgery in February 2013 to lose an estimated 100 pounds. The self-deemed "healthiest fat you've ever seen" had a band placed a band around his stomach to restrict how much food he consumes.

About two weeks before the surgery, Christie visited "The Late Show with David Letterman" where he began eating a donut as he sat down. Christie poked fun at his weight and said he didn't mind the jokes.

The Republican presidential hopeful noticeably slimmed down leading up to his candidacy announcement in June, though he doesn't discuss it on the campaign trail.