The Medical Burden of Obesity and Overweight in the US Military: Association of BMI with Clinically Diagnosed Medical Conditions in United States Military Service Members

Abstract

BackgroundA high BMI is associated with various medical conditions, notably type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mental health disorders. In the US military, BMI increased linearly between 1975 and 2015. ObjectiveThis cross-sectional study investigated the associations between BMI and a comprehensive range of clinically diagnosed medical conditions (CDMCs) in US military service members (SMs). MethodsA stratified random sample of SMs (n=26,177) completed an online questionnaire reporting their height, weight, and demographic/lifestyle characteristics. Medical conditions for 6 mo before questionnaire completion were obtained from a comprehensive military electronic medical surveillance system and grouped into 39 CDMCs covering both broad (largely systemic) and specific medical conditions. BMI was calculated as weight/height2 (kg/m2). The prevalence of CDMCs was compared among normal weight (<25.0 kg/m2), overweight (25.0–29.9 kg/m2), and obese (≥30 kg/m2) SMs. ResultsAfter multivariable adjustment for demographic/lifestyle characteristics, higher BMI was associated with higher odds of a diagnosed medical condition in 30 of 39 CDMCs, with all 30 displaying dose–response relationships. The 5 major CDMCs with the largest odds ratios comparing obese to normal weight were endocrine/nutritional/metabolic diseases (OR=2.67, 95%CI=2.24–3.15), nervous system diseases (odds ratio [OR]=2.59, 95%CI=2.32–2.90), circulatory system diseases (OR=2.56, 95%CI=2.15–3.06), musculoskeletal system diseases (OR=1.92, 95%CI=1.76–2.09), and mental/behavioral disorders (OR=1.69, 95%CI=1.51–1.90). Compared with normal weight SMs, overweight or obese SMs had a higher number of CDMCs (1.8±1.9 vs. 2.0±2.0 and 2.5±2.3, mean ± standard deviation, respectively, P<0.01). ConclusionsIn a young, physically active population, higher BMI was associated with a host of medical conditions, even after adjustment for demographic/lifestyle characteristics. The US Department of Defense should improve nutrition education and modify other factors that contribute to overweight and obesity. This study demonstrates that the medical burden of obesity is substantial in overweight and obese SMs.