A group of retired military leaders have mentioned in a report that one in three young adults across the nation is too fat to be enrolled in the military. It is acting as a big hurdle in the recruitments of the military.

As per the report, obesity is counted as one of the main reasons for military ineligibility among people aged between 17 and 24. Other factors for disqualification include lack of education, criminal history and drug use.

Since 2002, the military has witnessed a 61% rise in obesity in its active duty forces, leading authorities concerned to come up with obesity-related health care spending and costs to replace unfit military personnel.

Retired Brigadier Gen. John Schmader said, "We think a more healthy lifestyle over the long term will have significant impacts on both the military posture - those available to get into the military - and across our society as a whole from a medical perspective".

Obesity rate among states differ. To cite an example, in West Virginia, the obesity rate was more than 35% in 2013. In the case of people aged between 18 and 24, the percentage was over 24%. Experts have affirmed that around one-third of American children and teenagers are considered either obese or overweight.

In Kansas, 29% of teenagers are overweight. The nonprofit, non-partisan group called Mission: Readiness (Military Leaders for Kids), is helping promote healthy school lunches in Kansas and also across the country to curb the obesity problem.