Evaluating the Nutrition Intake of U.S. Military Service Members in Garrison

Abstract

Sparse information exists on the nutrition intake of U.S. military service members in a garrison setting. The purpose of this study was to assess the eating habits of a small group of service members who had not deployed in the preceding 12 months. Nutrition intake was measured using an online food frequency questionnaire and anthropometric measurements taken. Correlations were used to assess relationships between total caloric intake and sex, age, weight, waist circumference, body mass index, rank, marital status, history in a service-specific weight control program, and time in service. There were 39 subjects (18 males, 21 females) enrolled. There was a significant difference in total caloric intake between males and females (p = 0.040). The relationships of total caloric intake to both weight and waist circumference were significant (r = 0.425, p = 0.007 and r = 0.393, p = 0.013). There was a modest relationship between total caloric intake and sex (r = 0.331, p = 0.040) and history in a weight control program (r = -0.313, p = 0.052). There was no significant correlation between body mass index, age, rank, marital status, time in service, and total caloric intake. These relationships may partially explain the eating habits of service members in garrison. Future studies should further assess intake and influential additional factors, such as deployments.