Attitudes toward intentional weight loss and dietary behavior among US Army Reserve soldiers during annual training

Objective: The command of a U.S. Army Reserve Combat Support Hospital designed this study to evaluate soldiers' behavior related to and attitudes toward skipping meals while on annual training (AT). Methods: The command administered an anonymous survey on attitudes about weight loss and weight-loss behavior while on AT. Of 180 soldiers given the opportunity to respond, 100 responses were received (55%). Results: Before AT, 50% of reservists responding thought about losing weight while on AT, 62% of soldiers were trying to lose weight while on AT, and 25% of soldiers skipped meals. Soldiers who felt that they were overweight had a 2.9-fold increased risk for skipping meals, and those who thought about losing weight before AT had a 3.0-fold risk. Neither age, gender, rank, nor history of previously being on weight control was a predictor of skipping meals. Conclusion: Most soldiers considered and tried to lose weight while at AT, and soldiers who considered themselves overweight or thought about losing weight were at increased risk for skipping meals.