Pentagon Addressing Obesity With New Food Choices

By Newsroom America Staff at 10 Feb 2012

(Newsroom America) -- Aware that some 25 percent of American adults are too obese to serve in the military, the Pentagon is introducing new food choices to help members slim down, and first lady Michelle Obama is leading the charge.

Obama has lead a healthy food choices campaign for children for two years, and now she is speaking out on behalf of the military's efforts to change some of the eating habits of its soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines.

During an event Thursday at Little Rock Air Force Base, the first lady announced a new nutritional awareness campaign that will see chow halls and dining facilities on more than 1,100 military bases feature more healthy food choices like fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

"This isn't just a drop in the bucket - this is really a big splash," Obama said. "It's happening because our military leaders know it's not just a diet issue, it's not just a health issue. This is truly a national security issue."

Military leaders have decried the nation's obesity rate in the past, saying because of it, the Pentagon has a smaller pool of men and women to select from that it would have if the rate was lower.

In addition, many current members are also facing obesity problems, and that is a readiness issue, they said.

"The military is always taking the lead in terms of setting standards," says Assistant U.S. Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs Jonathan Woodson, according to Reuters. "Now we have an opportunity to take leadership ... as we face this epidemic of obesity."

He said the military spends about $4.65 billion annually on food services, and another $1.1 billion on medical care associated with obesity and excess weight.

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