Toni Rush1,2,3, Cynthia A LeardMann3, Nancy F Crum-Cianflone1,3,4. 1. Division of Epidemiology Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA. 2. Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California, USA. 3. Deployment Health Research Department, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California, USA. 4. Scripps Mercy Hospital, San Diego, California, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of obesity and associated health outcomes among US service members and veterans. METHODS: Data from three survey cycles (2001-2008) of the Millennium Cohort Study were used to examine the prevalence of obesity and associated health outcomes. RESULTS: Of the 42,200 individuals, 25% were of normal weight in 2007/2008. Rates of obesity were significantly higher among veterans (32%) compared with service members (20%). Over a 7-year period, obesity rates doubled among both service members (10%-20%) and veterans (14%-32%). Participants with obesity were significantly more likely to be male, older, less educated, in the Army or Navy, and separated/retired from the military. Hypertension, diabetes, and sleep apnea were significantly more common among individuals with obesity compared with participants with normal weight (all P < 0.05). Individuals with obesity also had significantly higher rates of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder than individuals with normal weight and had lower mental and physical functional scores (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate an urgent need to enhance strategies for preventing and reducing excess weight gain within the military and veteran populations. Such strategies should aim to ensure a fit military force and promote health after military service.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of obesity and associated health outcomes among US service members and veterans. METHODS: Data from three survey cycles (2001-2008) of the Millennium Cohort Study were used to examine the prevalence of obesity and associated health outcomes. RESULTS: Of the 42,200 individuals, 25% were of normal weight in 2007/2008. Rates of obesity were significantly higher among veterans (32%) compared with service members (20%). Over a 7-year period, obesity rates doubled among both service members (10%-20%) and veterans (14%-32%). Participants with obesity were significantly more likely to be male, older, less educated, in the Army or Navy, and separated/retired from the military. Hypertension, diabetes, and sleep apnea were significantly more common among individuals with obesity compared with participants with normal weight (all P < 0.05). Individuals with obesity also had significantly higher rates of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder than individuals with normal weight and had lower mental and physical functional scores (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate an urgent need to enhance strategies for preventing and reducing excess weight gain within the military and veteran populations. Such strategies should aim to ensure a fit military force and promote health after military service.
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