Skip to content

Military Recruits Overweight?

The Chicago Tribune reports that “Americans’ love of cheesy fries and aversion to exercise are both well documented. But while everyone has heard about the effect of high-calorie living on health care costs and kids’ waistlines, scholars and former military leaders say the obesity epidemic also poses real — but too often overlooked — problems for national security.”

The story continues: “Almost a quarter of applicants to the military are turned away because they’re too heavy, statistics show, and about three-quarters of young Americans aren’t eligible to serve because of their weight or some other factor.”

Recent Stories

Muslim American appeals court nominee loses Democratic support

At the Races: Lieberman lookback

Court says South Carolina can use current congressional map

Joseph Lieberman: A Capitol life in photos

‘Take the money and run’: Obama, Clinton to raise campaign cash for Biden at A-list NYC event

Cole considered early favorite to win House Appropriations gavel