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How challenging can the issue of obesity in the workplace be? Even the U.S. military is struggling.

A new Military Times report states bluntly: “Today’s military is fatter than ever.”

The piece continues: “About 7.8 percent of the military — roughly one in every 13 troops — is clinically overweight, defined by a body mass-index greater than 25. This rate has crept upward since 2001, when it was just 1.6 percent, or one in 60, according to Defense Department data obtained by Military Times. And it's highest among women, blacks, Hispanics and older service members.”

Military officials indicate the obesity increase does not raise questions about military readiness. But in words that any provider of a well run wellness program would understand, it does raise other health concerns.

The piece states: “Some Pentagon officials say the mounting signs of obesity are nothing to worry about. Yet others say obesity can be a life-and-death issue on the battlefield. Overweight troops may not move as quickly in ground combat, making them easier targets. And if they are wounded, it is more difficult for their buddies to pull them to safety.”

Army Command Sgt. Maj. John Troxell, the military’s top noncommissioned officer and the senior enlisted adviser to Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Joseph Dunford feels, according to Military Times that “today’s force is combat ready, but he believes the obesity trends are troubling, and demand careful consideration from senior leaders.”

Said Trowel: “I don’t think it’s a clear readiness concern right now. But I think it’s something that needs our attention. And we really have to look across our services at what we’re doing every morning or every day to prepare the men and women for what could be the worst day of their life,”