(P17-009-25) Prevalence of Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Active-Duty Soldiers: An Analysis of Data From the Military Health and Nutrition Examination Study

Objectives: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducts surveillance of disease risk and prevalence in a representative sample of the US population. NHANES does not include active-duty military personnel. Therefore, representative data on disease risk and prevalence in this population is not available. The objective of this analysis was to determine the prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors in a representative sample of active-duty US Army Soldiers.

Methods: The Military Health and Nutrition Examination Study (MHANES) is modeled after NHANES. Data were collected at 2 large Army bases in 2024 from 259 Army Soldiers. All had a fasted blood draw and measurement of height, weight, blood pressure (BP), and body composition by bioelectrical impedance analysis.

Results: Participants (25% female, 25% Hispanic, 56% white, 85% enlisted) were (mean ± SD) 28.8 ± 7.6 y. Participants had a body mass index (BMI) of 28.1 ± 4.3 kg/m², with 77% of the population having a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m², 51% having a BMI ≥ 27.5 kg/m², and 30% having a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m². Females (n=66) had a body fat percentage of 32 ± 7% and males (n = 192) 23 ± 8%. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) concentrations were 5.40 ± 0.31%, with 19% of the population above the cut-off for prediabetes ( > 5.7%). LDL-cholesterol concentrations were 98 ± 31 mg/dL, with 33% of the population having borderline high LDL-cholesterol ( > 100 mg/dL) and 13% having high LDL-cholesterol ( > 130 mg/dL). Triglyceride concentrations were 102 ± 86 mg/dL, with 5% of the population having mildly elevated triglycerides ( > 150 mg/dL) and 6% having moderately to severely elevated triglycerides ( > 200 mg/dL). BP was normal (systolic < 120 and diastolic < 80 mm Hg) in 46% of the population, while 18% met the cutoff for elevated BP (systolic 120-129 and diastolic < 80 mm Hg), 29% met the cutoff for stage 1 high BP (systolic 130-139 or diastolic 80-89 mm Hg), and 7% met the cutoff for stage 2 high BP (systolic ≥ 140 or diastolic ≥ 90 mm Hg).

Conclusions: Active-duty Soldiers have a similar prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors compared to age-matched US civilians. Nutritional and lifestyle interventions for early identification and mitigation of cardiometabolic risks are needed to preserve and improve the health of the force.

Funding Sources: USAMRDC; views expressed are not official US Army, DoD, or government policy.