Katie Couric's Notebook: Military Obesity

By: Katie Couric
Topics: Katie Couric's Notebook

A new Pentagon report concludes that more than a third of Americans between 17 and 24 are unfit for military duty because of physical or medical problems - and the main reason is obesity. The percentage of young adults considered obese is now four times what it was just a generation ago.

Add to that men and women ineligible because of a limited education, criminal records, or illegal drug use - and the report concludes almost three-quarters of potential recruits are unable to enlist. Military leaders call that a threat to national security.

The obstacle facing the Pentagon is a symptom of a much larger disease.

This war may not be in Afghanistan or Iraq but the battle of the bulge in this country is just as dangerous and costly. Fitness to serve is one thing, but in or out of uniform, Americans need to focus on fitness to live long and health lives.

That's a page from my notebook.

I'm Katie Couric, CBS News.

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by JayAdler1 November 25, 2009 10:38 PM EST: I have some insight to reveal about the inability of so many Americans to lose weight, exercise and remain in healthy condition. I think due to my experience many years ago in conducting an adult ed seminar in the Long Island, New York school system entitled Change Your Lifestyle, I may be able to offer just an opinion . Accurately I was sure to explain to those hopefuls attending that I was a motivational speaker and had no medical credentials. I was let ago a year later due to dwindling interest in my ideas. This is not sour grapes but having interacted with heavy and sedentary attendees for some time I honestly believe that they just did not want to give it up. Personally, I have not patronized a fast food joint in 20 years nor have I eaten much red meat, no fried food, no french fries, limited processed sugar and absolutely a fiber and fruit laden breakfast. I am a swimmer and a walker, no gyms or weights. Check this though, I have so much hair I live at the hairdresser, I have not gained a pound in years, I have lost no physical strength and get this I have never had a headache, never had an operation and never have been sick enough to even go to an emergency room. (DOB 1951).; Reply to this comment


by jaredshaff November 23, 2009 9:45 AM EST: Despite this threat to national security, the US Military still chooses to practice open discrimination against the Gay Population.

There are thousands of men and woman who would proudly serve our country but can't or won't because they possess the courage, integrity, and pride be honest about who they are.; Reply to this comment