Rising Obesity Costs Pentagon $1.2 Billion Annually, Threatening Military Readiness

According to a Congressional Research Service (CRS) analysis, growing obesity among Americans costs the Department of Defense about $1.2 billion yearly, posing an increasing difficulty for the U.S. military. These charges indicate the rising pressure on military readiness and recruitment initiatives since they result from healthcare bills and lower production.

The study ties the declining pool of qualified candidates to the growing incidence of obesity. Among the main medical disqualifications for military service, obesity ranks among others like inadequate schooling, drug misuse, and criminal convictions. Retired military leaders with the nonprofit Mission: Readiness have sounded the warning, saying these trends compromise the viability of the all-volunteer force.

While 21% of teenagers aged 12 to 19 were obese between 2015 and 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistics indicate obesity incidence for people aged 20 and older reached 42% from 2017 to 2018. High obesity rates in areas like the South and West provide the bulk of military recruits, therefore aggravating the issue.

"We attract from the country; the Department of Defense is a microcosm of the country. Therefore, Laura Mitvalsky, head of health promotion and wellbeing at the Army Public Health Center, remarked, "The issues facing our country are also ones facing us."

Apart from money, the problem compromises military efficiency. Studies show that recruits above weight criteria are more likely to quit service early, so influencing operational preparedness. Defense officials emphasize its consequences for national security and keep pushing concerted efforts to fight obesity.