Is Obesity in America really a National Security threat?

SFC Michael Jackson, MBA — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 00:56:18 -0500

I've heard and read on couple of couple of occasions that obesity is a threat because we'll run on a healthy people to fill the ranks. Most thought was this nonsense. However, obesity has become prevalent issue and mandates are being issued on food choices. I'm curious. Is there is merit and validity on the national security perspective?

http://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/politics/item/19004-usda-says-childhood-obesity-a-national-security-issue

USDA Says Childhood Obesity a "National Security Issue"

With the new school year upon us, the federal government is once again turning its attention to school lunches, claiming it is a matter of national security. by Raven Clabough

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2014 1:33 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 01:33:47 -0500

I think it is a problem (threat may be overstating things). In my opinion, the military tends to attract people from an economic level closer to the bottom then the top. A lot of the members of this tier also tend to eat poorly, partially because crappy food is (on the surface) cheap and readily available. So the main target population for the military consists of members that have a growing trend towards obesity. As standards for joining the military are raised, the amount of acceptable recruits drop. It is a problem

Response by SrA Andrea West made Dec 19 at 2014 1:39 AM

SrA Andrea West — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 01:39:59 -0500

I wouldn't say "threat" exactly. "Political theater" is closer to the mark. That said, sedentary lifestyles and poor food choices aren't helping, either.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2014 4:42 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 04:42:49 -0500

The amount of money spent on doctor's visits each year is ridiculous. It's a national threat when we're too fat to fight and it contributes to the national debt.

If people actually cared about what they put into their mouths and get away (or use in moderation) from all of the packaged goods filled with preservatives, sugars, and stuff I haven't heard since college chemistry class we could enjoy cheaper insurance, longer lives, and less dependency on big pharma.

Today's children may have a lower life expectancy than their parents and it's sad.

Response by SSG Tim Everett made Dec 19 at 2014 8:04 AM

SSG Tim Everett — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 08:04:40 -0500

Yep. Too many fatties in the ranks of teenagers and able-bodied people. When it comes time to kick someone's ass across the sea, we won't have the bodies. We'll have to rely on sending our existing drawn-down force on fifty deployment tours in four years, oh and lots of drones.

Response by LTC Joseph Gross made Dec 19 at 2014 9:47 AM

LTC Joseph Gross — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 09:47:03 -0500

You combine the health problems with the legal problems with the kids are just plain stupid problems and you still have about 30% of the eligible population able to serve. Then you only need about 1% for service. It isn't a military national security issue but with the drain on the economy because of health reasons it is most certainly an economic security threat!

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Dec 19 at 2014 9:54 AM

1SG Michael Blount — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 09:54:04 -0500

Donuts should be made illegal

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2014 5:38 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 17:38:23 -0500

Typically in the government, labeling something a 'threat to national security' get you access to bigger pots of money for your programs, so I imagine that's why they chose that particular verbiage.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2014 8:11 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 20:11:26 -0500

Look at the cost of foods.

What is more expensive, the produce and lean proteins area or the processed, canned, frozen meal and sweets areas? People will eat what they can afford, have access to, or are told are "good for them". I fortunately can afford to make sure my kids get good food, lots of fruits and veggies and better snack options while providing them less than optimal treats as well, but they are all doing very well.

I didn't grow up with any affluence, but both sets of grandparents had subsistence gardens/farm. I ate lots of fresh fruits and vegetables because I grew up in a very agricultural area. I have worked in Trenton and Camden, New Jersey; people there do not have ANY access to quality food unless they are willing to pay for it. I do not know how many of you have been that close to people living in poverty without any reasonable hope of getting out of it (not my upbringing, I was rural, so that is not my point), but it's very upsetting. Military or not, we need to improve the quality of food that AMERICANS have reasonable access to. Perhaps if those people who were eligible for food stamps were sent to the farmers' market instead of given generic vouchers for food, things would be better.

Response by PO1 Scott Morton made Dec 24 at 2014 4:26 PM

PO1 Scott Morton — Wed, 24 Dec 2014 16:26:46 -0500

If you don't think obesity is a problem in our country, look around. Fat (I know, not politically sensitive) men, women and kids everywhere! Thank goodness for programs like the Y's healthier communities in which parents (who apparently care!?) can jog around the track or shoot baskets with their children. What is it? One in five kids in America are obese??

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 15 at 2015 1:18 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 15 Aug 2015 13:18:00 -0400

If we have WWIII we will slim down the fatties.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Oct 12 at 2018 8:48 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Fri, 12 Oct 2018 08:48:06 -0400

https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2018/10/10/americas-obesity-is-threatening-national-security-according-to-this-study/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ebb%2011.10.18&utm_term=Editorial%20-%20Early%20Bird%20Brief

America’s obesity is threatening national security, according to this study

The rise in American obesity is making it harder for the Army to find healthy, qualified soldiers and keep them that way.

Response by Maj John Bell made Oct 12 at 2018 10:25 AM

Maj John Bell — Fri, 12 Oct 2018 10:25:43 -0400

Yes, but it is not the government's responsibility to fix the dietary habits and activity habits of private citizens. Can't fix the civilians and remain a nation of free people. Nor does the military have the ability to permanently overcome 17+ years of bad habits that parents allow, or that genetics pre-dispose within people.

I come from a family where every single member (by blood) of my immediate family, and extended family was obese or morbidly obese (325#+ plus for every male, by age 35, none the less they typically live until their 90's). I was aware of this and constantly fight to to stay within Marine Corps standards, despite being out of the service for 25+ years.

I don't like watching what I eat, but I do. I don't like exercising, but I do. It is a personal choice.