Attitudes and behaviors of overweight or obese US Army Soldiers

Abstract

The US Army is experiencing increasing rates of overweight and obesity. Understanding the factors associated with obesity within an environment of imposed weight restrictions and physical fitness is imperative. We conducted a retrospective review of electronic medical records of 832 overweight or obese active duty US Army Soldiers attending weight loss classes at Ft Bliss, TX in 2011–2012. The data included responses to a questionnaire on attitudes and behaviors regarding weight control. The mean age of Soldiers was 28.7 ± 7.4 years and 86% were male. 67% of Soldiers were obese and 33% were overweight. Obese Soldiers were more likely to be older, male, and non‐Hispanic black (p<0.01). Obese Soldiers were more likely to binge eat (p<0.0001) and tended to consume more juice or sugar‐sweetened beverages (p=0.06) than overweight Soldiers. Obese Soldiers had greater reported prevalence of anxiety and post traumatic stress disorder (p<0.05). Past use of over‐the‐counter medications or dietary supplements for weight loss was higher among obese Soldiers (49% vs. 40%, p=0.02). Eating due to emotions or stress was higher among obese Soldiers (35% vs. 28%, p=0.03). Obese Soldiers were more likely to be in the earlier stages of readiness to change behaviors (p=0.01). These results suggest a role of stress in obesity of Soldiers, and highlight the importance of assessing individual attitudes and readiness in weight control.