March 10, 2025
Mr. Buchanan (for himself and Ms. Moore of Wisconsin) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Armed Services
To direct the Secretary of Defense to conduct a study relating to obesity in the Armed Forces, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Studies and reports relating to obesity in the military
(a) Improvement of transparency and frequency of military obesity reports
The Director of the Defense Health Agency shall take such actions as the Director considers appropriate to improve the transparency and frequency of military obesity reports.
(b) Study and report on contribution of obesity to in-Service injuries and medical discharges
(1) Study
The Secretary of Defense shall conduct a study on—
(A)
the contribution of obesity to in-service injuries and medical discharges; and
(B)
annual costs to the Armed Forces associated with obesity-related in-service injuries and medical discharges.
(2) Report
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the results of the study conducted under paragraph (1).
(c) Study and report on transformation of food procurement processes
(1) Study
The Secretary of Defense shall conduct a study on how the Department of Defense can transform the food procurement processes of the Department to procure healthier food that promotes better health outcomes.
(2) Report
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the results of the study conducted under paragraph (1).
(d) Study and report on access to healthy foods
(1) Study
The Secretary of Defense shall conduct a study on issues relating to access to healthy foods for families of members of the Armed Forces.
(2) Report
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the results of the study conducted under paragraph (1).
(e) Report on impact of obesity on national security readiness
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the impact on national security readiness of the rising levels of obesity among active-duty members of the Armed Forces.
(f) congressional defense committees defined
In this section, the term congressional defense committees has the meaning given that term in section 101(a)(16) of title 10, United States Code.