To direct the Secretary of Defense to conduct a study relating to obesity in the Armed Forces, and for other purposes.

H.R. 1977 would require the Secretary of Defense to undertake several studies related to obesity in the Armed Forces and to improve how obesity data is reported. The bill directs the Defense Health Agency’s Director to take actions to increase transparency and frequency of military obesity reporting. It also requires studies (and accompanying reports to Congress within one year of enactment) on: (1) how obesity contributes to in-service injuries and medical discharges and the associated costs; (2) how the DoD can restructure food procurement to buy healthier, health-promoting foods; (3) access to healthy foods for families of service members; and (4) the impact of rising obesity on national security readiness. The term “congressional defense committees” refers to the defense committees in the House and Senate. The bill does not authorize specific funding, but it creates a framework for information gathering and accountability — potentially informing future policy on health, nutrition, readiness, and support for military families.