Overview

• A new study by the American Security Project reveals that 68% of National Guard and Reserve personnel are overweight or obese, raising serious readiness concerns.
• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has introduced tougher fitness and weight standards to restore military discipline and combat effectiveness.
• Hegseth criticized past lapses in enforcing fitness standards, stating that they are now being overhauled and strictly implemented across all branches.
• The Department of Defense is reviewing changes to fitness and grooming policies since 2015 to determine how standards may have declined in recent years.
• Obesity rates vary by branch, with the Army National Guard having the highest rate (20.6%) and the Marine Corps Reserve the lowest (7.3%).