Extensive nutrition study to be conducted on Finnish conscripts
Many soldiers found to gain weight during military service
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"When I was a fresh conscript there was plenty of activity, but now we sit and get fat. I have also gained weight", says Matti Olli, a medic standing at the door of the Kainuu Brigade in Kajaani. His period as a conscript is winding to an end.
The Finnish Defence Forces have launched an extensive nutrition study on conscripts, costing about EUR one million, together with the National Public Health Institute.
The first blood tests were taken on the third day of service among the recruits who entered service in January. The fat content of the blood of 650 volunteers at the Kainuu Brigade and the Parola Armoured Brigade will be monitored.
"Conscripts are fatter every year. In addition, many gain weight during their service", says Harri Pihlajamäki of the Research Institute of Military Medicine.
One of the most important questions is whether or not the jelly donuts and pizzas sold at the garrison canteens contribute to the problem.
"We are assessing the entire nutritional content of Finnish soldiers, as the food offered at garrisons is nutritious and healthy. On the other hand, the impact of snacks consumed during time off and at the canteens is not known", says Antti Uutela, head of the health promotion unit of the National Public Health Institute.
There were indications of harmful effects of snacks sold at garrison canteens already in 1995 in studies conducted in Oulu. At that time, insulin sensitivity of conscripts had deteriorated, and blood fat levels grew, while weight increased by an average 4.6 kilos during military service.
"Before the study we thought that regular exercise and nutritious food in the military would have an opposite, positive impact", says Dr. Tuula Tähtinen, who defended her doctoral thesis on the matter at the University of Oulu a week ago.
The results were so surprising that Tähtinen repeated the study in 1997.
It appears that many soldiers skip the more nutritious evening snacks offered for free at the regular mess hall, preferring instead to pay for donuts, pizzas, and other snacks in the more relaxed atmosphere of the canteen.
In Kajaani, a jelly donut with healthier ingredients and more fibre has been developed. There are also proposals to offer the option of smaller snacks and chocolate bars.
Helsingin Sanomat
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| 22.1.2007 - TODAY |
 Extensive nutrition study to be conducted on Finnish conscripts
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