Healthier weight: defence insights to tackle a national challenge

Healthier weight: defence insights to tackle a national challenge back to News

This report shares learning from the development of the Defence Occupational Fitness (‘DOfit’) programme, offering insights into how the initiative has evolved since the pilot study and planned next steps. The DOfit programme supports military service personnel to be fitter and healthier.

Excess body weight in the Armed Forces impairs physical fitness and increases musculoskeletal injury (MSKI) risk, negatively affecting productivity and self-reported ability to work. Obesity also adversely impacts upon wellbeing and mental health.

The report includes:

• a description of the Defence Health and Wellbeing Adviser (DHWA) training, to upskill health and healthcare staff to deliver the DOfit programme
• an overview of the standards and frameworks used to measure outcomes
• interviews with service personnel, DHWA practitioners and military leaders.

To read more please click here.

Posted on 8th January 2021