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H.R. 1978In committee

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.

Introduced: Mar 10, 2025

Latest action date: Mar 10, 2025

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In committee

The most advanced recorded stage is committee consideration.

Introduced

Mar 10, 2025

Latest action

Mar 10, 2025

Recorded roll calls

0

Civixly topics

What this legislation is about

Civixly topics make federal and state legislation comparable. They are derived from the official CRS policy area and legislative subjects.

Official CRS policy area

Armed Forces and National Security

Bill Summary

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.

Committee activity

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Amendments

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No amendments are listed for this measure.

Checked against Congress.gov Sep 13, 2026.

Action timeline

Newest action first. Action language comes from the official Congress.gov record.

View full action timeline3 actions
  1. Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.

    IntroReferralHouse floor actions
  2. Introduced in House

    IntroReferralLibrary of Congress
  3. Introduced in House

    IntroReferralLibrary of Congress

Roll-call votes

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Federal legislative data comes from Congress.gov and official House and Senate vote records.

Base metadata check pending · Summary check pending · Action timeline checked Sep 13, 2026 · Complete sponsorship check pending · Topics checked Sep 13, 2026 · Committees checked Sep 13, 2026 · Status checked Sep 13, 2026 · Related bills checked Sep 13, 2026.