Military Weight-Loss Drug Use Skyrockets
Members of the American armed forces have greatly increased their use of weight-loss drugs in recent years. The Medical Surveillance Monthly Report now shows the rate among personnel using weight-loss drug prescriptions shot up from 1.2 per 100,000 in 2018 to 104.4 per 100,000 by last June.
The recent surge comes in response to the rising obesity rates within the military. The trend in the armed forces tracks with the national obesity epidemic afflicting the nation. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that approximately 67% of the U.S. adult population is considered overweight or obese.
The financial implications of this trend are staggering. The CDC estimates that obesity-related health costs and lost workdays cost the Pentagon around $1.5 billion annually. The Department of Defense authorized four weight-loss drugs in 2018 to combat the issue.
Weight-loss drug prescriptions for U.S. military personnel skyrocketed from 1.2 per 100,000 servicemembers in 2018 to 104.4 per 100,000 members in June 2023. Latest in @FDRLST: https://t.co/jVAQw3zEdr
— Tristan Justice (@JusticeTristan) February 16, 2024
However, the rapid increase in prescriptions has raised questions about the military’s approach to health and fitness. Army Major Nolan Johnson highlighted the problem in his article for ArmyTimes, criticizing the availability of unhealthy food options on military bases and the lack of accessible, healthy alternatives. Johnson’s insights into the dietary habits of service members underscore the broader challenges faced by the military in promoting health and wellness.
The study also found that higher rates of weight-loss drug prescriptions were associated with specific demographics within the military, including women, service members over 40, and Black non-Hispanic personnel. The Navy, in particular, showed the highest rate of prescriptions, which correlates with previously observed obesity rates within the service.
The rise in prescriptions coincides with the Defense Health Agency’s approval of semaglutide, a drug initially approved for diabetes that has been found to suppress appetite, in 2021 for weight management. This reflects a broader trend across the United States, where medications like semaglutide, sold under brand names such as Wegovy and Ozempic, have gained popularity.
Yet, this increase in drug prescriptions comes with its own set of challenges and concerns. Weight-loss drugs like semaglutide can have severe side effects, and there is a need for further study to evaluate their effectiveness and safety, particularly in military settings. The American Security Project has cited overweight and obesity as the leading disqualifiers for military eligibility, with a significant portion of young Americans now deemed physically unfit for service.
While these medications may offer a temporary solution, addressing the root causes of obesity and promoting a culture of health and fitness within the military are essential to ensuring America’s armed forces’ long-term effectiveness and well-being.