Obesity threat to national security

WASHINGTON - The Pentagon is facing a fast-growing national security threat that could prove one of its trickiest challenges yet: the US' obesity crisis.

A study released this week has found that nearly one-third of young US citizens are now too overweight to join up, a worrying statistic for military officials already facing recruitment challenges.

"Obesity has long threatened our nation's health. As the epidemic grows, obesity is posing a threat to our nation's security as well," the Council for a Strong America states in its new report.