Utilizing selected social determinants and behaviors to predict obesity in military personnel

Like the general population, the military is experiencing an increase in the number of obese personnel. This study aimed to identify predictors of obesity by assessing social determinants of health and behaviors in relation to Body Mass Index (BMI), and to use these variables to build a model to predict obesity in Active Duty Military Personnel (ADMP). Predicting obesity would allow early intervention of at risk personnel, potentially reducing the number of ADMP who are separated from the service for failing to meet weight standards.

A secondary data analysis of the 2011 Survey of Health-Related Behaviors of Active Duty Military Personnel was performed. The survey included 39,197 responders.

Descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, and logistic regression analysis were conducted to examine the relationship between social determinants of health, behaviors in relation to Healthy People 2020 recommendations, and obesity. Moderator variables were used to determine what affects the direction and/or strength of the relationship between the independent variables (e.g., social determinants and behaviors) and the outcome variable of obesity.

At the bivariate level, these variables mirror existing research. However, logistic regression identified few statistically significant obesogenic lifestyle behaviors in relation to Healthy People 2020 recommendations and a weak interactive effect between the variables.

The low number of significant variables identified to predict obesity highlights the multifactorial nature of obesity making it difficult for weight-loss interventions to be effective if limited to one group or one specific behavior.