Obesity in the US military surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, with nearly 10,000 active duty soldiers in the Army developing obesity between February 2019 and June 2021, according to new research. Increases were also seen in the US Navy and the Marines. Overweight and obese troops are more likely to be injured and less likely to endure the physical demands of their profession, and obesity-related health costs exceed $1.5 billion annually for current and former service members and their families.