Obesity epidemic may have affect on U.S.
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Published:
9/22 7:44 pm
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Updated:
9/22 9:10 pm
TUPELO,
Miss. (WTVA)-- We've known for years that Americans are becoming more obese.
Now it appears the obesity epidemic might have an affect on the numbers of those entering the military.
A report issued by a group known as Mission Readiness says that nearly one-quarter of Americans ages 17-24 are too overweight to serve. Mission Readiness is a group of 450 retired military leaders.
Outiside the Armed Forces Recruiting Station in Tupelo, two North Mississippians are ready to join the Army.
"I think it's just a great opportunity to better myself, go to school, to get a good job basically," said Jamez Cox.
"To better myself. I've got to," said Raven Lewis of Aberdeen.
Both appear to be physically fit, and they know that's what the Army is looking for today.
"They look at you and tell you right off. So, yeah," said Cox.
"Yes sir. Yes sir. I have no other choice now. It's too late to turn back," said Lewis.
"Absolutely. Physical fitness is a huge portion of the Army and we take it very seriously," said Staff Sgt. Nicholas Webb.
Sgt. Webb is an Army recruiter based in Tupelo. He sees a lot of potential recruits, but he says sometimes many do not make it because of their physical fitness levels.
"I wouldn't consider it a problem. But, three out of ten people are actually qualified to join the service . So, that's a lower percentage than what most people think," he said.
The spreading epidemic of obesity is a big problem, according to Mission Readiness. The group issued a report recently called "Retreat is Not an Option." The group worries that finding and keeping men and women fit for service is becoming more of a problem.
But, they say schools can help by modifying diets and promoting more physical activities.
"We have to make sure that our students are prepared for whatever they may choose. And, if the military is a choice for them, then it's our job to prepare them to have that foundation," said Lynne Rogers, Food Services Director.
Now it appears the obesity epidemic might have an affect on the numbers of those entering the military.
A report issued by a group known as Mission Readiness says that nearly one-quarter of Americans ages 17-24 are too overweight to serve. Mission Readiness is a group of 450 retired military leaders.
Outiside the Armed Forces Recruiting Station in Tupelo, two North Mississippians are ready to join the Army.
"I think it's just a great opportunity to better myself, go to school, to get a good job basically," said Jamez Cox.
"To better myself. I've got to," said Raven Lewis of Aberdeen.
Both appear to be physically fit, and they know that's what the Army is looking for today.
"They look at you and tell you right off. So, yeah," said Cox.
"Yes sir. Yes sir. I have no other choice now. It's too late to turn back," said Lewis.
"Absolutely. Physical fitness is a huge portion of the Army and we take it very seriously," said Staff Sgt. Nicholas Webb.
Sgt. Webb is an Army recruiter based in Tupelo. He sees a lot of potential recruits, but he says sometimes many do not make it because of their physical fitness levels.
"I wouldn't consider it a problem. But, three out of ten people are actually qualified to join the service . So, that's a lower percentage than what most people think," he said.
The spreading epidemic of obesity is a big problem, according to Mission Readiness. The group issued a report recently called "Retreat is Not an Option." The group worries that finding and keeping men and women fit for service is becoming more of a problem.
But, they say schools can help by modifying diets and promoting more physical activities.
"We have to make sure that our students are prepared for whatever they may choose. And, if the military is a choice for them, then it's our job to prepare them to have that foundation," said Lynne Rogers, Food Services Director.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oe4455l6ulk&index=1&list=PLGWDDcCZS9wIkeYh7AfJTydLaSVgi9vY0
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