A new report published this week by the American Security Project (ASP) revealed that more than two-thirds of the members of the United States National Guard and Reserves are overweight, which could affect their readiness and ability to deploy in support of national security.
According to the study, approximately 68% of personnel in these components have weight issues, an increase from the last official Department of Defense report in 2018, which indicated 65%.
The study highlights that, given the reduced size of active forces and the increasing use of reserves for both national and international missions, it is crucial that Guard and Reserve members maintain optimal health conditions.
"Members separated from service due to obesity and its comorbidities are vital personnel that the Armed Forces can't afford to lose," the report states.
Un estudio remarca los graves problemas en el estado físico de los soldados
Researchers emphasize that obesity not only compromises soldiers' physical readiness but also exposes them to a wide range of serious medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney failure, osteoarthritis, strokes, and heart failure.
According to previous data, the highest levels of obesity are found among Army National Guard members, where about 21% meet the clinical criteria for obesity.
Although the challenges are similar to those faced by the active force, ASP warns that a one-size-fits-all approach can't be applied, as reservists primarily serve part-time and face different logistical and lifestyle challenges.
La Guardia Nacional es la rama de las fuerzas armadas que goza de los peores índices
To address this issue, ASP proposes a series of recommendations, including:
Improving the tracking and collection of data on obesity in reserve forces.
Providing some form of medical coverage to all reservists to facilitate the treatment of weight-related health issues.
Optimizing the use of electronic medical records to monitor the physical condition of reservists, who are not under daily supervision like their active-duty counterparts.
The report was published just one day after the Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, delivered a speech at the Army War College, in which he emphasized the need for soldiers to be "fit, not fat."
Hegseth remarcó la necesidad del bienestar de las tropas
Hegseth, known for his strict stance on military standards, reiterated his commitment on social media by calling the current situation "completely unacceptable."
"This is what happens when standards are IGNORED and this is what we're changing. The real fitness and weight standards are here. We will be FIT, not FAT," Hegseth posted on X, along with a screenshot of the article revealing the study's findings.
During his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Hegseth stated that under President Donald Trump's leadership, the Department of Defense will seek to achieve peace through strength, and that military standards will be high and merit-based, not equity-based.
The Department of Defense is already reviewing its enlistment and retention policies to improve force readiness, although so far, most of the focus has been on gender equity issues rather than weight problems.
However, the new approach promoted by Hegseth could mark a significant shift in how the Pentagon addresses the physical condition of its reserve troops.
El Departamento de Defensa revisará sus políticas de alistamiento
