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Obesity and associated adverse health outcomes among US military members and veterans: Findings from the millennium cohort study
Author(s) -
Rush Toni,
LeardMann Cynthia A.,
CrumCianflone Nancy F.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
obesity
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.438
H-Index - 199
eISSN - 1930-739X
pISSN - 1930-7381
DOI - 10.1002/oby.21513
Subject(s) - medicine , obesity , depression (economics) , cohort , gerontology , millennium cohort study (united states) , military personnel , mental health , military service , military medicine , cohort study , demography , environmental health , psychiatry , history , archaeology , sociology , political science , law , economics , macroeconomics
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.