[Eagle5US]

Hipshot:
The COPs (Combat Outposts) are running a specific schedule that is preventing normal nutrition input.
There are a number of things that you may look into asking him:

-How many stools is he having per day? Are things getting out of hand with him passing loose / watery / excessive amounts of stool?
-What is the color of his urine? Is it generally light / clear or is it dark / golden colored. This can be an indicator of his hydration status throughout the day. If his urine is straw or clear and he is still losing significant weight, there may be other medical reasons for his weight loss that should be explored by the medical staff his next rotation in. The body may be 70% water, but it needs to be maintained at a significant fill point to function properly. That includes processing of solid intake.
-What is his normal weight? Is there a family history of any mal-absorption syndromes?
-mixing full strength gatorade then cutting it in half with water will help improve his electrolyte absorption.
-When he eats his MREs, he should try and eat ALL of his MRE, or trade up with some of his buddies-even eat their leftovers. MREs have about 2500 calories per.
-on his time back on whichever FOB he rotates to-he should try and eat all 4 offered meals with one meal being high in fats (cheesy omelet potatoes / cheesburger fries / lasagna / etc....) these fats will help to add needed calories for immediate storage with the remainder of the meals being more "healthy" to assist in the processing of those fats and give more balanced nutritional input for sustainment.
-His water SHOULD be the bottled water that is trucked to the COPs-locally plumbed water is off limits in country in all except the most extreme circumstances. All COPs are provided a medical inspection prior to occupation and operations.
-Something we cannot seem to get into these guys heads from the medical side....ripped fuel, hydroxycut, niOx, and everything in between is BAD. SIMILARLY - RIPITS, Caffeine drinks, Red Bull, and the like are also VERY BAD in this environment. We consistently see the line guys coming into the DFAC or little shoppette we have and literally putting CASES of these caffeine drinks into their 1114's to take to their COP or Patrol Base. These drinks dehydrate the men and screw relentlessly with their metabolism of electrolytes. Not because they drink one, but because they are only 6 or 8 ounces, they will drink 4-6 of them at a clip.
-Finally, he may try some protein powder as a supplemental meal. These mix easily with water and can indeed assist in putting on mass with the amount of exercise that is required here in daily activities out in sector.

I hope this helps, and I hope your son stays safe.

Eagle