Obesity is emerging as a critical issue for the U.S. armed forces, with current weight loss programs falling short of resolving the problem, according to a new report. The study, published by the American Security Project (ASP), highlights the increasing rates of obesity among military personnel, which comes at a time when the U.S. military is already facing an unprecedented shortage of active-duty members.
The report notes that the rising obesity levels are costing the military more than $1.35 billion annually. This includes $1.25 billion in direct healthcare costs and an additional $99 million in productivity losses caused by hospitalizations. With recruitment already strained, the military is struggling to maintain force readiness, prompting several changes, including relaxed fitness standards and the retention of personnel classified as obese.
Over the past four years, the U.S. Department of Defense has experienced a more than 10% decline in active-duty personnel, according to the ASP report. Obesity is now the leading reason for recruitment disqualification, with over 52,000 applicants rejected in 2023 due to their weight. This figure is significantly higher than the military’s overall recruitment shortfall of 41,000 individuals.
Obesity also impacts retention, as service members who are classified as obese or overweight tend to leave the military 18 months earlier than their peers. Once veterans return to civilian life, they face an even greater risk of obesity, particularly those who served in combat, administrative, or leadership roles.
The report criticizes existing military fitness programs, which it claims only reduce body weight by less than 1% even under optimal conditions. ASP suggests that the most effective solution would be to introduce evidence-based obesity treatments, such as weight loss drugs, in clinical settings. These treatments, according to the report, could potentially save the military health system up to $1 billion per year.
Pharmacotherapy, including the use of weight loss drugs, has been proven effective in managing obesity. However, the report emphasizes that these medications must be taken consistently to achieve lasting results.
The American Security Project is a Washington, D.C.-based think tank focused on U.S. national security issues. It seeks to develop bipartisan solutions to restore American leadership and safety, while increasing public understanding of critical security concerns through education and dialogue.
The growing obesity crisis within the U.S. armed forces underscores the need for immediate action, not only to address the health of military personnel but also to safeguard national security by maintaining a capable and ready force.
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