According to an internal study, 72% of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members are either overweight or obese, reported Postmedia.
Around 78% of men in the military were classified as obese or overweight, compared to 68% in the general Canadian male population. For women, 57% in the military were reported in these categories, higher than the general population rate for women.
Despite the physical demands of military service, there's been an increase in sedentary activities among CAF members. Poor eating habits were identified as a significant contributor to obesity.
Also, military work can be stressful, involving long hours, deployments, and exposure to traumatic events, which might lead to emotional eating or changes in appetite.
There's also a correlation between insufficient or poor-quality sleep and obesity, particularly among male CAF members.
Like many populations, CAF members are not immune to broader societal trends toward obesity, influenced by similar factors affecting civilians such as increased consumption of processed foods, less active lifestyles, and cultural norms around food and body image.
Over the last decade — under the Trudeau Liberals — CAF has faced several declines in operating capability, readiness, and personnel management.
There is a significant challenge in both recruiting new members and retaining current personnel. By 2025, the CAF was reported to be short by about 16,500 personnel, representing nearly a 15% shortfall in trained personnel.
A significant portion of the CAF's equipment has been reported as "unavailable and unserviceable." In 2023, it was noted that only 58% of the forces would be able to respond if called upon by NATO.
Canada's defence budget has not kept pace with what's needed to maintain or upgrade equipment and personnel, with criticisms from various sources about Ottawa's commitment to military funding.
