Too Fat to Fight

It seems that the obesity epidemic has found yet another victim in its path of destruction.

Its newest target, the military.

A group called Mission:Readiness, Military Leaders for Kids has published a report called Too Fat to Fight.

According to their report, "Being overweight or obese turns out to be the leading medical reason why applicants fail to qualify for military service."

But in true American fighting fashion, the military is declaring war on the abundance of fast foods and high fat snacks in schools.

"Vending machines are available in 21 percent of elementary schools, 62 percent of middle schools, and 86 percent of high schools."

"…just 20 percent of middle schools and 9 percent of high schools have only healthy options – foods that are high in nutrients relative to caloric content – available for purchase."

“Nearly one in five elementary schools, one-third of middle schools, and half of all high schools have a school store, canteen, or snack bar where students can purchase food or beverages."

Over the past 30 years, while adult rates of obesity have doubled, childhood obesity rates have tripled. Here we have yet another example of the way the obesity epidemic has crippled our society.

The reports goes on to describe how military recruitment efforts are being affected and why Congress needs to take action now before the numbers dwindle even more.

"Today, otherwise excellent recruit prospects, some of them with generations of sterling military service in their family history, are being turned away because they are just too overweight."

"The number of recruits actually turned away after taking their physicals has risen dramatically in the last decade."

"Between 1995 and 2008, the military had 140,000 individuals who showed up at the centers for processing but failed their entrance physicals because they were too heavy."

"Every year, the military discharges over 1,200 first-term enlistees before their contracts are up because of weight problems; the military must then recruit and train their replacements at a cost of $50,000 for each man or woman, thus spending more than $60 million a year."

I would love to hear your thoughts and comments regarding this topic.

To read the complete report click here Too Fat to Fight.