Chris Thompson   Chris Thompson on the internet

Two retired American army men apparently want Congress to introduce laws to give US children better nutrition in schools, with less sugar, salt and fat.

Obesity is threatening the US army, they said. In fact, they said that the fat crisis ruled out more potential military service recruits than any other medical factor.

Worrying obesity rates among young Americans could undermine the future of the US military, they said. In fact, research indicates more than a quarter of young Americans are too fat to fight.

John Shalikashvili and Hugh Shelton, both former chairmen of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, wrote: “Obesity rates threaten the overall health of America and the future strength of our military.”

The warning comes amid mounting fears that childhood obesity affects one in three young Americans.

But I can’t help thinking they just need to adapt their tactics. After all, Homer Simpson proved to be a phenomenal boxer in The Simpsons — even if it did involve taking an immense beating, and waiting until his opponent was too tired to stand up.