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Childhood obesity labeled a national security risk

Posted at 9:09 AM, Sep 26, 2012
and last updated 2012-09-26 10:04:46-04

(CNN) – How fat is too fat? When military officials label it a national security risk?

A group of retired military leaders say one in four young people are now so overweight– they can’t join the military. That’s according to a new report from the advocacy group Mission: Readiness. Part of the problem, they say— is all the candy and junk food kids eat every day.

The group has been working to get rid of junk food in schools. It says schools are ultimately part of the solution.

The Defense Department spends an estimated one-billion-dollars every year on obesity-related medical for active duty members, their families and veterans.