H.R. 1978 has not moved since its introduction on Mar 10, 2025, with one cosponsor, a Democrat
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.
Written by the Congressional Research Service [2]. 166 words.
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.
- Committees
- House Armed Services Committee
- Policy area
- Armed Forces and National Security: 268 of 6,567 bills became law, 113th–118th (4.1%)
- Sponsor
- 2 of 171 bills enacted since 2013
- Text versions
- 1: introduced in house · 816 words
- Latest action
- Mar 10, 2025: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- Records
- Congress.gov · Bill text
The bill status record lists no related bills.