As a Patriotic American, is it my duty to care about obesity?

Yes! Here Is My Case for Why Every American Should Care About Obesity

Obesity is not just a health issue of the individual; it is a national public health crisis that affects the our security, future, and economic stability in the United States. From the ability to defend and protect our great nations to the well-being of our children and the competitiveness of our economy, obesity poses a multifaceted threat that demands urgent attention.

1. I Love My Country: Obesity is a Threat to National Security

I was fortunate to begin my adult life by enlisting in the armed forces. This experience, which I hold dear, laid the groundwork for my successful transition into American adulthood as a civilian. Nowadays, the high rate of obesity among young Americans deprives many of the chance to serve, directly impacting military readiness.which is critical to national security. Approximately 27% of young adults in the U.S. are too overweight to qualify for military service, making obesity the leading disqualifier for new recruits. In 2023 alone, 52,000 applicants were rejected due to weight issues, exacerbating an already severe recruitment crisis in branches like the Army, Navy, and Air Force[1][2].

Even among active-duty service members, obesity rates have more than doubled in the past decade, rising from 10.4% in 2012 to 21.6% in 2022. This trend impairs combat readiness by increasing risks of injuries, illnesses, and medical discharges. For example, obese troops face higher risks of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions like hypertension and heart disease, which compromise their ability to perform physically demanding tasks[2][3].

The financial burden is also staggering obesity costs the Department of Defense $1.35 billion annually in healthcare expenses and lost productivity. This weakens not only operational capacity but also America's ability to respond effectively to global threats [2]. As adversaries grow stronger militarily, America’s shrinking pool of fit recruits leaves our country vulnerable.

2. I Love My Children: Obesity is a Threat to the Next Generation

Like all the mothers I know, I adore my children with my whole heart. I desire the best for them, as they are my heart and my legacy. I willingly make sacrifices to give them opportunities I never had and carefully consider what will ensure their success. I think about the best food I can provide to help them learn, grow, develop athletically, and wake up healthy every morning. However, I have realized that my approach to raising my family is increasingly becoming an exception compared to the majority of American youth. Childhood obesity has reached alarming levels, with 1 in 5 children in the U.S. classified as obese and 1 in 3 are overweight. Among children aged 2–5 years, approximately 25% are already obese, with higher rates observed in low-income and minority communities[4]. This epidemic sets up young Americans for lifelong health challenges.

Why Are Obesity Rates So High Among Youth? Here are a few reasons:

• Dietary Shifts**: The rise of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and sugar-sweetened beverages has significantly increased calorie consumption among youth[5].

• Physical Inactivity**: Sedentary lifestyles driven by excessive screen time and reduced physical education contribute to weight gain.

• Socioeconomic Factors**: Limited access to healthy foods and safe spaces for physical activity disproportionately affects low-income families[4].

Childhood Obesity has a massive Impact on Education and Careers:

Childhood obesity negatively affects academic performance and future career prospects. Obese children are more likely to have lower test scores, repeat grades, and experience bullying or depression—all factors that hinder educational attainment[6]. Studies show that individuals who were obese as children are less likely to graduate from high school or college and face greater challenges securing high-paying jobs as adults[6]. This cycle perpetuates economic inequality and reduces overall workforce quality.

Childhood Obesity has Economic Consequences

The lifetime healthcare costs for an obese child transitioning into adulthood are estimated at $16,310–$19,350 per individual. Combined with lost productivity due to absenteeism or presenteeism in adulthood, childhood obesity creates a significant economic drag on society[7].

3. I Love My Livelihood: Obesity is a Threat to Meritocracy

I was raised with the belief that I could accomplish anything I put my mind to. With this mindset, I committed myself to my education, obtained a doctorate, and built a career in a field I am passionate about and find fulfilling. I prioritize my health and well-being to be the best mother, wife, friend, leader, and employee possible. Having this belief has allowed me to provide my family with a modest degree of financial stability. With approximately 70% of American adults being overweight or obese, our decreasing national health jeopardizes our personal ability to attain the American dream. Obesity undermines workforce productivity, places a heavy burden on the taxpayer and strains healthcare systems, threatening America's economic competitiveness.

Workforce Productivity

Employees with obesity experience higher rates of absenteeism (missing work due to health issues) and presenteeism (reduced productivity while at work). On average, employers incur $623 more annually per obese employee due to disability claims and lost workdays[7]. Nationally, obesity-related productivity losses cost employers billions each year.

Economic Burden

The total annual cost of obesity in the U.S., including medical expenses and lost productivity, exceeds $1.4 trillion—nearly 7% of GDP[9]. Taxpayers bear much of this burden through public healthcare programs like Medicare and Medicaid. Adults with obesity covered by public insurance incur $2,868 more annually in medical expenses than those with normal weight[10].

Most Costly Obesity Related Medical Conditions

Obesity drives up costs for managing chronic diseases such as:

• Type 2 Diabetes**: Costs $327 billion annually.

• Cardiovascular Diseases**: Adds $29 billion annually.

• Osteoarthritis**: Costs per patient range from $3,719–$4,518 annually[10].

These conditions not only strain healthcare systems but also reduce economic productivity by increasing early retirement rates and disability claims.

Call to Action

Addressing obesity requires collective action from individuals, families, communities, and corporate leaders:

Individuals: Take charge of our own health now! We each have one body and one mind that will carry us through this precious, unique human experience. Prioritize healthy choices now for yourself, your loved ones, your community and your legacy. You have the unique ability to be the change you want to see in the world and be the light to inspire those around you to do the same. When you decide to be the catalyst, change can happen faster than any implementation of any governmental policy or new business venture.

Families: Be the light to guide those around you and lead! Muster the courage and fortitude to create and maintain environments that promote healthy habits for our children. Just say no to ultra processed foods in front of a screen and get outside and experience the company of one another.

Corporate Leaders: Be the example and be worthy of our commitment to you and your organization. This is a problem we can solve, and it is collectively more lucrative if we do. Invest in workplace wellness programs that support employees' health through fitness incentives and access to nutritious food options.

Investing in prevention yields substantial returns. For example:

• Scalable community weight-loss programs generate an ROI of up to $16.7 for every $1 spent.

• Reducing global obesity prevalence by just 5% could save $430 billion annually in healthcare costs alone[9].

By tackling obesity head-on through prevention and intervention strategies, we can secure a healthier future for our nation—one that ensures military readiness, protects our children’s potential, and strengthens our economy for generations to come.

Citations:

[1] https://www.prb.org/resources/obesity-epidemic-a-threat-to-u-s-military-personnel-and-national-security/

[2] https://thenationaldesk.com/news/americas-news-now/obesity-is-costly-growing-problem-for-us-military-readiness-report-health-fitness-armed-services-national-defense-american-security-project

[3] https://wcyb.com/news/nation-world/rising-obesity-rates-major-threat-to-military-readiness-recruitment-army-air-force-navy-marines-defense-department-health-diet-exercise-physical-fitness-bmi-weight-fat-muscle

[4] https://news.cuanschutz.edu/nursing/states-committed-to-improving-childhood-obesity-rates

[5] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9611578/

[6] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6262374/

[7] https://www.endocrine.org/news-and-advocacy/news-room/2023/endo-2023-press-lee

[8] https://thehill.com/opinion/healthcare/4058730-the-hidden-economics-of-obesity/

[9] https://obesitymedicine.org/blog/health-economic-impact-of-obesity/

[10] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10394178/