ASP in the News: Coverage of ASP’s New White Paper on Military Obesity
On Oct 11th, ASP published a White Paper titled; “Combating Military Obesity: Stigma’s Persistent Impact on Operational Readiness.” This report highlighted some daunting statistics and conclusions about the rates of obesity in the military and how obesity is affecting military readiness and recruiting. Since then, the report has been circulating and quoted by various news outlets. Stars and Stripes cited the report:
“To ensure the long-term strength and operability of the armed forces, services must decisively and cohesively address obesity within their ranks, maintain strong body composition standards, and bring health policies in line with evidence-based recommendations.”
Furthermore, ASP Chief Operating Officer Matthew Wallin and National Security Fellow Courtney Manning were quoted in an article assessing the white paper in the Military Times. Wallin explained that,
“At a time when we are struggling to recruit an adequate labor force for the military, the growing rates of obesity are especially alarming.”
Manning then goes on to explain how obesity in a military setting should be treated as more of a health issue, as opposed to treating troops like numbers on a page. She says that,
“Treating a failed height-weight test as an administrative issue, rather than a health issue, is not doing troops any favors.”
The report goes on to recommend how Lawmakers can better evaluate and address the obesity issue that is affecting the United States military and its readiness.
Read the full report here.
More coverage of this report is available below:
Stars and Stripes: Nearly 70% of US troops are overweight or obese, research report says
USSA News: Shocking Report EXPOSES That 66% Of U.S. Current Military Are Overweight
Military Times: Nearly 70% of active service members are overweight, report finds
The Messenger: Nearly 70% of the US Military is Overweight or Obese, According to New Report Measuring BMI Among Soldiers
Federal News Network: What to do about obesity among military service members; Heavy Service Members need less judgment and more treatment
ABC7 News: Rising Obesity rates ‘major threat’ to military readiness, recruitment
The Defense Post: Nearly 70% of US Soldiers Overweight or Obese: Report
Roll Call: Military obesity rates soar, compounding recruitment challenges
Newser: Group Warns of Military Obesity
WDBO News: As military threats increase globally, majority of US active duty military are obese or overweight
The Messenger: Nearly 70% of the US Military is Overweight or Obese, According to New Report Measuring BMI Among Soldiers
Liberty News Nation: US Military Rolls on its Too Big Stomach
