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To direct the Secretary of Defense to develop a strategy to treat obesity as a disease and reduce the prevalence of obesity in certain Armed Forces, and for other purposes.

3/25/2025, 8:18 AM

Summary of Bill HR 1978

Bill 119 hr 1978, also known as the "Military Obesity Prevention Act," aims to address the issue of obesity within the Armed Forces. The bill directs the Secretary of Defense to develop a comprehensive strategy to treat obesity as a disease and reduce its prevalence among military personnel.

The strategy outlined in the bill will focus on implementing evidence-based interventions to promote healthy eating habits, increase physical activity, and provide support for weight management. It also calls for the development of policies to ensure that military personnel have access to nutritious food options and opportunities for physical fitness.

Additionally, the bill requires the Secretary of Defense to report to Congress on the progress of the obesity prevention strategy and its impact on the health and readiness of military personnel. The goal of the bill is to improve the overall health and well-being of service members and reduce the financial burden of obesity-related healthcare costs within the Armed Forces. Overall, Bill 119 hr 1978 seeks to address the growing issue of obesity within the military by treating it as a disease and implementing targeted interventions to reduce its prevalence among service members.

Congressional Summary of HR 1978

This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to develop a strategy to align its obesity-related programs with the classification of obesity as a medically accepted disease. Additionally, DOD must conduct an educational campaign to promote awareness, diagnosis, and treatment of obesity as a disease in the Armed Forces (the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force).

The bill also requires DOD to include information regarding unmet weight standards in any reports it submits to Congress regarding disqualifications for enlistment in, disabilities incurred in, or medical discharges from the Armed Forces.

DOD must submit a report to Congress on the effects of obesity on the readiness of the Armed Forces, including legislative recommendations to address such effects. The Defense Health Agency within DOD must report on the effectiveness of the obesity, food, and nutrition-related programs of DOD in reducing obesity and improving military readiness.

The Government Accountability Office must submit to Congress an analysis of the existing obesity, food, and nutrition-related programs of DOD.

Current Status of Bill HR 1978

Bill HR 1978 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since March 10, 2025. Bill HR 1978 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on March 10, 2025.  Bill HR 1978's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services. as of March 10, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 1978

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
1
Democrat Cosponsors
1
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 1978

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 1978

To direct the Secretary of Defense to develop a strategy to treat obesity as a disease and reduce the prevalence of obesity in certain Armed Forces, and for other purposes.
To direct the Secretary of Defense to develop a strategy to treat obesity as a disease and reduce the prevalence of obesity in certain Armed Forces, and for other purposes.

Comments

Kya Melvin profile image

Kya Melvin

461

9 months ago

I don't get why they want to do this. It seems like a waste of time and money. How will this really help anyone? What's the point of it all?