Who is at a higher risk for suffering heat injuries?

The identification of overweight soldiers and those who are already dehydrated as being at a higher risk for suffering heat injuries is grounded in several physiological factors. Overweight individuals often have less efficient thermoregulation, which can lead to their bodies struggling to cool down effectively during periods of exertion in high temperatures. Additionally, dehydration compromises the body’s ability to regulate temperature and can lead to an increased risk of heat-related illnesses. When a person is dehydrated, the blood volume decreases, and the body's ability to dissipate heat through sweating diminishes, making it harder to cool down during physical activities.

Furthermore, factors such as acclimatization play a significant role in how well an individual can handle heat stress. Soldiers who are not accustomed to hot climates or who have not hydrated adequately prior to physical exertion in hot conditions are at greater risk. The combined impact of excess weight and dehydration creates a substantial vulnerability to heat injuries, making these soldiers particularly susceptible in hot weather scenarios.