Association between alternative and complementary health practices and change in body mass index in a large military cohort

Background: Alternative and complementary health practices (ACHP) have been studied for treatment of chronic diseases, while less research has been focused on the use of ACHP for preventive purposes such as weight management. Specifically, the prevalence of ACHP use and its association with body mass index (BMI) among military personnel has not yet been examined.

Methods: This analysis included participants from the Millennium Cohort Study, a 21-year longitudinal study designed to evaluate the short and long-term effects of military service on health. Participants who completed a questionnaire from both the 2004-2006 and 2007-2008 survey cycles were eligible for this study. Twelve different types of self-reported ACHP use was measured using survey questions and BMI was calculated using self-reported height and weight, which were collected at both time points. Analysis of covariance was used to examine the relationship between ACHP use and change in BMI from the first assessment to the second assessment.

Results: Of the more than 70,000 participants included in analyses, approximately 40% self-reported using at least one ACHP therapy at the first assessment. The mean BMI at the first assessment was 24.8 for women and 26.9 for men. Analyses are ongoing.

Conclusions: These results assess how CAM use may be associated with changes in BMI over time among a population of US service members that are either actively serving or no longer in service. Continued longitudinal research is needed to better understand which specific CAM therapies may be beneficial for weight management in aging veteran populations.