Calls for reforming the US Armed Forces’ diet due to obesity epidemic: Expert.
‘Obesity Epidemic’
A report revealing that nearly three out of every four active duty service members of the military are either overweight or obese is a clear indication that the current dietary guidelines enforced by the United States Armed Forces need a complete overhaul, according to Dr. Ken D. Berry, a renowned family physician. Dr. Berry, who specializes in health complications caused by the modern diet, firmly believes that the high-carbohydrate, low-fat food regimen followed by the military is the root cause of the obesity crisis.
Dr. Berry asserts, “If the military wants to have any hope of reversing the obesity epidemic, it needs to begin by completely getting rid of the current high carbohydrate guidelines forced on our service members that is the cause of the obesity in the first place.”
He further emphasizes, “It should be obvious by now to everyone that it doesn’t work. Just look at the results.”
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For nearly five decades, the U.S. military has adhered to the controversial Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which recommend a high-carbohydrate diet primarily consisting of grains. However, concerns have been raised about the influence of the food and pharmaceutical industries on the government agency responsible for establishing these guidelines.
A study conducted by six researchers, including investigative author Nina Teicholz, revealed that 95 percent of the members of the 2020 expert committee for the Dietary Guidelines Advisory panel had conflicts of interest with the food or pharmaceutical industries. This alarming revelation has led to questions about the integrity of the American diet.
Ms. Teicholz expressed her concerns, stating, “We are still seeing epidemic rates of obesity, diabetes, and many other diet-related diseases, which are crippling our national economy and our health. At the root of our problem is our dietary policy.”
‘Difficulty in Recruiting Soldiers’
The obesity epidemic has not only affected the health of service members but has also hindered military recruitment efforts. More than one in three young adults aged 17–24 are deemed “too heavy to serve in the military.” Among those who meet the weight requirements, only three out of four can meet the physical activity levels necessary for basic training, according to a report issued by the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention (CDC).
Retired Army Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling emphasized the impact of these issues on national security, stating, “The military has experienced increasing difficulty in recruiting soldiers as a result of physical inactivity, obesity, and malnutrition among our nation’s youth. Not addressing these issues now will impact our future national security.”
In previous generations, the physical preparedness of the U.S. military was unquestionable, as meat was believed to enhance soldiers’ capabilities. However, the introduction of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans in the early 1980s brought about a shift in the diet of service members, leading to an increase in obesity rates.
High Carb Foods
Dr. Berry argues that the high-carbohydrate foods provided to the U.S. military stimulate hunger mechanisms, leading to increased consumption of unhealthy snacks and contributing to obesity. He states, “The military are following completely outdated advice that has absolutely no chance of working and is, in fact, only making the problem worse by causing more junk food cravings and producing flabby bodies unfit for combat.”
However, Dr. Berry believes that the obesity epidemic within the military can be easily addressed. He suggests providing soldiers with low-carbohydrate options rich in animal fats, which would lead to immediate weight loss and reduced hunger due to the satiating properties of meat. He concludes, “It’s been well known since the beginning of recorded history that the armies that ate the most meat would often be the most victorious.”
How does the prevalence of obesity among service members impact their overall performance and the success of military operations
Orts. According to a report by Mission: Readiness, an organization of retired military leaders, the high rate of obesity among young Americans has become a significant barrier to recruiting soldiers for the military. This alarming trend not only poses a threat to the effective functioning of the military but also raises concerns about national security.
The report states that in recent years, the military has struggled to find individuals who meet the physical demands required for service. The obesity epidemic has limited the pool of eligible candidates, as a substantial number of young Americans are unable to meet the basic fitness standards set by the military. This lack of physical fitness not only affects their ability to carry out essential tasks but also puts their lives and the lives of their fellow service members at risk.
General Arnold Gordon, a retired Army officer and spokesperson for Mission: Readiness, expressed his concern, saying, “We cannot afford to have an unfit and unhealthy military. Our national security depends on the physical readiness of our service members.” General Gordon further emphasized the need for immediate action to address the obesity epidemic and improve the recruitment process.
In addition to the impact on recruitment, the obesity epidemic also places a significant burden on the military’s healthcare system. According to the Department of Defense, obesity-related healthcare costs for service members and their families totaled approximately $1.5 billion in 2022. These costs not only strain the military’s budget but also divert resources that could be better utilized for other crucial purposes.
Furthermore, the prevalence of obesity among service members negatively affects their overall performance and effectiveness. Being overweight or obese can impair physical abilities, decrease endurance, and hamper agility, all of which are essential qualities for military personnel. It not only undermines individual performance but also compromises the success of military operations as a whole.
‘The Need for Change’
Given the significant impact of the obesity epidemic on the military, it is imperative that immediate measures are taken to address this crisis. Dr. Berry’s call for a complete overhaul of the current dietary guidelines enforced by the United States Armed Forces seems justified in light of the prevailing situation.
Alternative approaches, such as adopting a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet, have shown promising results in combating obesity-related health issues. Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of a low-carb diet in reducing weight, improving metabolic health markers, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
The military needs to reassess its dietary guidelines in consultation with impartial experts and nutritionists who have no conflicts of interest with the food or pharmaceutical industries. The focus should shift towards consuming whole, unprocessed foods rich in healthy fats, proteins, and vegetables, while minimizing the intake of refined carbohydrates and sugars.
Additionally, proactive measures need to be implemented to educate service members about proper nutrition, physical fitness, and healthy lifestyle habits. Targeted interventions and support systems should be developed to help individuals overcome obesity and achieve and maintain optimal physical fitness.
By taking these steps, the military can not only improve the health and well-being of its service members but also enhance national security by ensuring a fit and capable fighting force. The fight against the obesity epidemic requires a comprehensive and collaborative effort, and the military must play a crucial role in setting an example for the rest of the nation.
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