A recent article on our bariatric society web site quoted top military officials as complaining about obesity in the 17-24 age range. Currently about 27% are too overweight to join the military. As an "old guy" from the Vietnam War era, I never even knew this could be a reason for rejection! I took my chances with the lottery and fortunatly did not get drafted due to a favorable number. How times have changed. The pedicatric obesity problem has gotten a lot of press as has the general population problem, but I'm not sure this particular age group ha gotten much press. This is the age where folks should be in their prime. This is the time to look back on when our health begins to fail: "If I were only 21 again!"
How can we help people see the course they have set for themselves? Children are dependent on parents, adolescents heavily influenced by peers, but this group is in the process of maturing fully. As a society we need to find ways to help with positive body image, mature patterns of eating and activity, and a sense that life is to be lived fully, not just observed on a screen. Yes, the business of life gets in the way, but all the more reason focus on staying healthy.
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