DHB Implications of Trends in Obesity and Overweight for the DoD - Fit to fight fit for life

Abstract

The prevalence of obesity in the United States has been on the rise over the last two decades; approximately 1 in 3 U.S. adults is obese and another one-third of Americans over age 20 are overweight.1 Consistent with national trends, rates of overweight and obesity also have increased in the U.S. military population over time.High rates of excessive weight and body fat have implications for national security if our Armed Forces are unable to recruit and retain a fit force and maintain fitness throughout military service. In addition, the Department of Defense (DoD), as the largest public healthcare provider in the United States, must address the challenges that obesity poses to the military healthcare system, which not only provides care to Service members, but also to beneficiaries and retirees. The rising rates of excessive weight and body fat have serious implications for DoD in four significant ways.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 22, 2013
Accession Number
AD1027323

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Body Weight
  • Business Administration
  • Health Services
  • Management Personnel
  • Medical Personnel
  • Military Medicine
  • Recreation
  • Students

Readers

  • Exercise and Sports Science.
  • Medical or Health Care Field.
  • Political Violence and Terrorism Studies.