When Military Fitness Standards No Longer Apply: The High Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Recent Air Force Retirees Article Swipe
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· 2017
· Open Access
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· DOI: https://doi.org/10.7205/milmed-d-16-00253
· OA: W2732075445
This finding suggests the protective health effects of fitness standards may be reduced shortly after retirement. This is true despite activities such as screening before and during military service and exposure to USAF health promotion efforts and fitness standards throughout a period of active duty service lasting at least 20 years. In general, military members should be counseled that on retirement, efforts to maintain a healthy weight have continued benefit and should not be forgotten. The risk of MetS after retirement is particularly increased for those identified as being overweight during their active duty careers. Interventions that prevent and reduce unhealthy weight gain may be an appropriate investment of resources and should be studied further.
