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Obesity rate rising among US military members
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One in five U.S. military personnel are obese, and veterans are now as likely to have obesity as civilians, according to study findings published in Obesity.
In a prospective study, Toni Rush, MPH, of the division of epidemiology at the Graduate School of Public Health at San Diego State University, and colleagues analyzed the prevalence of obesity and associated health outcomes using data from three cycles of the Millennium Cohort Study (2001-2008), which includes military members from all service branches (n = 42,200; mean age, 42 years; 74% men; 71% white; 75% active duty). Participants were randomly selected from U.S. military rosters. The survey includes self-reported height and body weight, as well as a comprehensive set of mental, physical and functional health questions.
Data from the 2007 survey showed that 51% of respondents had overweight, 23% had obesity and 26% had normal weight. Participants who were men, older, black, less educated and in the Army or Navy were more likely to have obesity, according to researchers; those with obesity were also more likely to be “non-deployers” and separated or retired from the military. Among 2007 respondents, 20% of service members had obesity vs. 32% of veterans.
during a 7-year period, obesity rates doubled among both service members (from 10% to 20%) and veterans (from 14% to 32%).
In cross-sectional analysis weighing data from the 2007 survey, comorbidities, including hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea and cardiovascular disease, were more common among individuals with obesity vs. those of normal weight (P < .001 for all); twice as many adults with obesity reported being diagnosed with at least three medical conditions vs. those of normal weight (24% vs. 12%; P < .001).
Those with obesity also had higher rates of depression, PTSD, and lower mental and physical function scores vs. those of normal weight.
Obesity is currently one of the top reasons for military ineligibility among adults aged 17 to 24 years, according to study background.
“Establishing lifelong healthy behaviors for active duty and veteran military personnel could not only ensure a fit force, but also reduce post-service-related costs for the Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. health care system,” Rush said in a press release. “More importantly, it could enhance the quality of life for thousands of veterans.” – by Regina Schaffer
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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