Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report
Published on: May 30, 2025
Obesity, overweight, and weight control practices in U.S. veterans
Thomas D Koepsell1, Christopher W Forsberg, Alyson J Littman
1Seattle Epidemiologic Research and Information Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98101, USA. koepsell@u.washington.edu
Objectives:
We assessed the burden of obesity and overweight, as well as trends in weight control practices, among U.S. veterans and users of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care in a large national survey.
Methods:
Data were combined from the 2003 and 2004 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System surveys of U.S. adults (n=558,426), a large telephone survey conducted in all states.
Results:
Some 24% of veterans were obese (Body Mass Index [BMI] > or = 30 kg/m2), and 48% were overweight (BMI 25-29.9 kg/m2). After adjustment for age and gender, obesity prevalence was similar between veterans and non-veterans, but overweight was about 3.8 percentage points more frequent in veterans. Among veterans, obesity was more common among users of VA care, especially those who received all health care through the VA. Obese and overweight VA users were significantly more likely than non-users to report advice from a health care provider to lose weight, but no more likely to report that they were actually trying to lose weight.
Conclusions:
Obesity and overweight pose special burdens on veterans who use VA care. These results strengthen the case for system-wide interventions aimed at weight control.
Related Concept Videos
Obesity
Drug Dosing: Obese Patients
Pharmacokinetics in Obese Patients: Drug Metabolism and Excretion
Pharmacokinetics in Obese Patients: Drug Absorption and Distribution
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV
Binge Eating Disorders

