[20201222]IF11708_美国的肥胖症及其对征兵的影响.pdf

https:/crsreports.congress.gov December 22, 2020Obesity in the United States and Effects on Military RecruitingBackground Congress has a sustained interest in maintaining capable military forces. To this end, a population of healthy and eligible recruits is important to sustain the military services and meet the annual requirements established by Congress. Though many aspects of health are important, a 2016 Department of Defense (DOD) report found that obesity was one of the main disqualifiers from joining U.S. military service. Obesity in the United States is not a new issue. A report published in Health Economics in 2012 estimated that the percentage of military-age adults ineligible for enlistment because of excessive body fat more than doubled for men and tripled for women during 1959-2008. Since 2008, the percentage of obese youth has continued to increase. The increasing proportion of obese American youth reduces the pool of eligible military recruits. This trend may pose particular challenges with recruiting highly-qualified individuals to service in the U.S. Armed Forces. Obesity in the United States The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines obesity