According to Lt. Gen. Patricia Horoho, the surgeon general and commanding general of the U.S. Army Medical Command, it is generally agreed that a healthy mind and body lead to increased individual and unit readiness in the armed forces. The Army Performance Triad components of activity, nutrition and sleep (ANS) are essential to improving the overall health of Soldiers, civilians and families. The Performance Triad is an organizational imperative that all must invest in to improve the readiness and resilience of these constituencies.
The Facts:
1. The U.S. Department of Defense spends an estimated $1 billion dollars each year on medical care related to obesity issues for active duty members, dependents and veterans.
2. Approximately 40% of the population covered by the U.S. Military Health System is classified as overweight.
3. In 2010, Armed Forces Health reported that 5.3% of military had at least one obesity related diagnosis.
4. Fifteen times more troops were discharged from the U.S. Army in 2012 for obesity reasons relating to the inability to meet fitness standards than in 2007 and obesity has become the main cause of ineligibility for recruitment in the United States.
5. Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences has identified 59.3% of spouses as overweight or obese.
6. 25% of military children have been classified as overweight or obese.
Why is USO-Metro poised to make a difference here?
Obesity and fitness is a cultural issue and threatens the future quality of life for all service members and their families. USO-Metro is uniquely poised to address this issue. With five installation centers, four airport centers, and the Mobile, USO-Metro provides snacks and meals to literally thousands of service members each year as well as sponsoring hundreds of programs and events for service members and their families. This is an incredible platform to lead from the front.
