Weighing Down Our Military: Obesity is a National Security Threat

Childhood obesity is affecting military recruiting and active duty forces. Why healthier school nutrition is an important part of the solution

In this op-ed in U.S. News & World Report, Brigadier General (Ret.) Rhonda General Cornum, M.D., Ph.D., former director of the Army’s Comprehensive Soldier Fitness Program, and Brigadier General (Ret.) James E. Shane, former deputy commanding general of the Army Recruiting Command, share how obesity is affecting military recruiting and active duty forces. They urge Congress to uphold the healthier school meal standards that are an important part of the solution to the obesity epidemic.

The military cannot reverse this epidemic alone, and contrary to popular belief, six weeks of basic training cannot undo a lifetime of bad habits for young men and women who want to serve our nation right now.

Brigadier General (Ret.) Rhonda General Cornum, M.D., Ph.D.