Monday, August 11, 2025
LBNN
  • Business
  • Markets
  • Politics
  • Crypto
  • Finance
  • Energy
  • Technology
  • Taxes
  • Creator Economy
  • Wealth Management
  • Documentaries
No Result
View All Result
LBNN

Nearly 70% of US Soldiers Overweight or Obese: Report

Simon Osuji by Simon Osuji
October 16, 2023
in Military & Defense
0
Nearly 70% of US Soldiers Overweight or Obese: Report
0
SHARES
5
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter


Almost seven in 10 active-duty service members in the US military are either overweight or obese based on their body mass index (BMI), according to a white paper released by the American Security Project (ASP).

Pulling data from the US Department of Defense, the non-profit organization revealed that the figures were significantly higher than the 10.4 percent military obesity rate recorded 10 years ago.

The statistic reportedly poses a considerable problem for the US military, as obesity decreases soldiers’ combat readiness.

Based on fitness tests, active-duty service members who are overweight exhibit less speed and agility than those with normal BMIs.

They also leave the service 18 months earlier on average than soldiers of normal weight.

There are reportedly 1.4 million active military personnel in the US. The ASP report shows nearly one million are overweight or obese.

Recommendations

According to the white paper, the defense health agency should first consider obesity a chronic disease across the armed services to enforce proper treatment.

The military should also promote awareness of the harmful effects of obesity, especially during combat missions.

Related posts

Rwandan forces step up to fill Africa’s security gaps

Rwandan forces step up to fill Africa’s security gaps

August 11, 2025
Burkina Faso receives more Chinese combat vehicles and artillery

Burkina Faso receives more Chinese combat vehicles and artillery

August 10, 2025

Furthermore, the ASP suggests conducting evidence-based research to establish better regulations concerning body composition and military appearance.

Service members who are obese or overweight should be referred to a credentialed obesity physician for treatment.

US Army fitness
A US Army satellite communications operator performs pushups during an Army Physical Fitness test. Photo: US Army

‘Imperfect Measure’

The US military still uses BMI to measure the body fat of its soldiers despite it being a controversial tool.

Earlier this year, the American Medical Association (AMA) admitted that the metric is “imperfect” and steeped in racist ideology.

“There are numerous concerns with the way BMI has been used to measure body fat and diagnose obesity, yet some physicians find it to be a helpful measure in certain scenarios,” former AMA president Jack Resneck, Jr. M.D. said.

“It is important for physicians to understand the benefits and limitations of using BMI in clinical settings to determine the best care for their patients.”



Source link

Previous Post

3 Ways To Reduce Recruitment Costs

Next Post

Elm showcases its integrated digital solutions at GITEX 2023 to contribute to building Cities of Future

Next Post
Elm showcases its integrated digital solutions at GITEX 2023 to contribute to building Cities of Future

Elm showcases its integrated digital solutions at GITEX 2023 to contribute to building Cities of Future

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

RECOMMENDED NEWS

The Rich Can Afford Personal Care. The Rest Will Have to Make Do With AI

The Rich Can Afford Personal Care. The Rest Will Have to Make Do With AI

8 months ago
FDA to speed reviews for drugs supporting ‘national interests’

FDA to speed reviews for drugs supporting ‘national interests’

2 months ago
Transforming urban services for women’s empowerment – EnviroNews

Transforming urban services for women’s empowerment – EnviroNews

4 months ago
Africa Sees ‘Surge’ in Recruitment of Child Combatants

Africa Sees ‘Surge’ in Recruitment of Child Combatants

6 months ago

POPULAR NEWS

  • Ghana to build three oil refineries, five petrochemical plants in energy sector overhaul

    Ghana to build three oil refineries, five petrochemical plants in energy sector overhaul

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • The world’s top 10 most valuable car brands in 2025

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Top 10 African countries with the highest GDP per capita in 2025

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Global ranking of Top 5 smartphone brands in Q3, 2024

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • When Will SHIB Reach $1? Here’s What ChatGPT Says

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact

© 2023 LBNN - All rights reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Markets
  • Crypto
  • Economics
    • Manufacturing
    • Real Estate
    • Infrastructure
  • Finance
  • Energy
  • Creator Economy
  • Wealth Management
  • Taxes
  • Telecoms
  • Military & Defense
  • Careers
  • Technology
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Investigative journalism
  • Art & Culture
  • Documentaries
  • Quizzes
    • Enneagram quiz
  • Newsletters
    • LBNN Newsletter
    • Divergent Capitalist

© 2023 LBNN - All rights reserved.