Risky Weight-Loss Products: Hidden Threats to Military Health and Readiness
Amid growing rates of overweight, obesity, and disordered eating in the U.S. Armed Forces, risky weight-loss products (RWLPs) pose an emerging threat to service member health and readiness. These products, including dietary supplements, compounded GLP-1 drugs, and counterfeit GLP-1 drugs, are neither approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration nor tested for safety, quality, or efficacy. As a result, RWLPs may contain harmful ingredients and/or contaminants and are associated with various adverse health events.
Elevated rates of unhealthy weight-loss behaviors and eating disorder diagnoses in military populations suggest that demand for self-driven, easily accessible weight-loss solutions, such as RWLPs, may be increasing. Meanwhile, as pressure mounts for personnel to meet body composition, fitness, and military appearance standards, structural and cultural barriers limit service members’ access to proven medical treatment for overweight and obesity. The Department of Defense should take urgent action to mitigate factors driving use of RWLPs, expand obesity prevention efforts, and remove barriers to safe and effective treatment.
Risky Weight-Loss Products Hidden Threats to Military Health and Readiness by The American Security Project
