Eric Gang, founder of Gang & Associates LLC and a nationally recognized veterans' disability attorney, was recently featured in Woman's World in an article titled “Eric Gang, A Legal Advocate on Why Fixing Veteran Obesity Starts With Changing the Military Diet.” In the piece, Gang shares how decades of reviewing veterans' medical records, which often go back 40 to 50 years, has revealed a troubling pattern: a long-standing and growing obesity crisis among former servicemembers.
Gang notes that obesity's impact reaches far beyond personal health. It contributes to chronic conditions such as sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease, all illnesses that often surface decades after service and are difficult to prove as service-connected in VA disability claims. Research estimates the cost of obesity to the U.S. military at $1.24 billion annually, reflecting not just healthcare expenses but also lost readiness, recruitment challenges, and national security concerns. In fact, nearly one-third of Army reserve recruits fail to meet BMI standards.
“People don't use lawyers like me for easy cases,” Gang says in the article. His clients are often veterans battling complex, chronic health issues, and his experience shows that poor dietary habits during military service can have lasting consequences. Because servicemembers are young and active, the effects of high-processed, high-sugar diets often go unnoticed until years later when activity levels decline. “We are seeing an explosion in sleep apnea,” Gang explains. “And sleep apnea's biggest risk factor is being overweight.”
Gang argues that the military should use its “captive audience” to instill healthier eating habits, providing nutritious food options and educating recruits on long-term wellness. He believes such measures would not only benefit individual servicemembers but also reduce future costs for the VA and improve overall force readiness.
In the article he calls for public health policy based on science rather than industry lobbying. While he does not advocate government control over individual diets, he stresses the importance of accurate, unbiased information so veterans can make informed choices.
Because veterans reflect the broader American population, their health challenges should serve as a warning signal. “If we are serious about honoring our veterans, we need to start by addressing the root causes of their health problems, beginning with what's on their plate.”
Contact:
Eric Gang(908) 850-9999https://www.veteransdisabilityinfo.com/
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SOURCE Gang & Associates LLC
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