H.R. 1978 · 119th Congress
To direct the Secretary of Defense to develop a strategy to treat obesity as a disease and reduce the…
Full title
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.
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R
BuchananSponsor1 cosponsor · 1 D
1 signed on when it was introduced; the rest joined later. Cosponsors who withdrew aren't shown.
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.
What it does: CRS summary · Introduced in House · Mar 10, 2025
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.
Written by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service. All summary versions on Congress.gov
About this bill and sources
Official title: 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.
Latest action (Mar 10, 2025): Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security · Origin: House · Introduced: Mar 10, 2025
Official page on Congress.gov · Bill text (GovInfo) · Status record (XML)
No recorded floor vote found.