Is Alabama’s most chronic health problem a threat to national security?

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May 19, 2015

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — A new report by retired senior military leaders in Alabama warns that the obesity trend of the last decade could be hampering the strength of the national security.

The report, “Retreat is not an option for Alabama,” finds that nearly one in four Alabama children are too heavy to be considered for recruitment.

“While the Nation’s obesity epidemic makes daily headlines, its effect on the U.S. military has largely been unreported: a 61 percent rise in obesity since 2002 among active duty forces; more than $1.5 billion in annual obesity-related health care spending and costs to replace unfit personnel; significant recruiting challenges with nearly one in four young adults too heavy to serve; and newly released data in this report showing overall ineligibility above 70 percent in most states.”

The authors of the report think schools could have a larger involvement in helping Alabama’s children stay a healthier weight and fitness by adopting stricter rules in lunchrooms and vending machines on school campuses.

Some of their recommendations have already been adopted, through the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010.

“These changes are important victories in the battle against obesity,” the report said. “America’s youth spend considerable time at school, and many young people consume up to half of their daily calories there. If we are to win, schools must be our allies.”

According to the report, obesity among school children in Alabama grew from 11 percent in 1990 to 32 percent in 2013.

Obesity is not the only problem, say the reports authors, many children aren’t getting the nutrients they need to maintain strong, healthy bones.

“During the critical adolescent years for bone growth—ages 11 to 14 for girls and 13 to 17 for boys—children have a heightened need for calcium, vitamin D and exercise. But 85 percent of girls and 58 percent of boys at these ages are not getting enough calcium and nearly half of boys and girls in those age groups are not getting enough vitamin D in their diets.”

The authors blame this deficiency on the rise of sodas replacing milk as the drink of choice among children, as well as a decline in the amount of daily exercise most people receive.

The military is also seeing more of its members struggle with weight, and it comes with a high price. The report found that obese service members in the brigade in Afghanistan were 40 percent more likely to experience an injury than those with a healthy weight. Slower runners were 49 percent more likely to be injured. And care for military members and their families who suffer from obesity and related diseases such as heart disease and diabetes costs taxpayers billions.

According to the report, Alabama has the fourth highest percentage of children who are ineligible for military recruitment due to obesity, lack of education, or a history of crime or drug use. Mississippi, the District of Columbia, and Louisiana, are the only places ranked lower.