The American obesity epidemic is hampering military recruiting, with 1 in 3 young adults nationwide too overweight to enlist.
The report focused on Kansas where 29% of teenagers are overweight, according to figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About a third of American children and teens are considered obese or overweight.
Obesity is one of the leading causes of military ineligibility among young adults ages 17 to 24. Others are a lack of adequate education, a criminal history or drug use.
All those put together mean that 71% of Kansans are ineligible for military service.
A group of retired military leaders visited schools around the state promoting healthier lifestyles.
About 99% of the schools in Kansas have adopted healthier meals under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, which requires more fruit, vegetables and whole grains in school meals, along with less sodium, sugar and fat.
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