Can Fat People Join the Military?
The short answer is yes, almost. While there have been instances of morbidly obese individuals joining and serving in the military with great success, the admission process is not always guaranteed for those who do not meet the military’s bodily mass index (BMI) standards.
Military Regulations
The military sets maximum weight limits for all positions, with the BMI values ranging from 14% to 30%. Most military branches use a set of guidelines called ARS 40-1563 to determine acceptable waist circumferences and BMIs.
In simpler terms:
- For men: waist circumferences should be below 40 inches and their BMI should be 23-30.
- For women: waist circumferences should be below 34.5 inches and their BMI should be 20-30.0.
Military Fat Categories
The military assigns weight categories to all branches:
- Fat Free Weight Zone: Healthy BMIs, 18.5-24.9%
- Overweight Warning Zone: BMIs above 25%, which affects mobility and performance.
- Obese I-Mildly Obese: BMI 30.1-34.9.5%
- Obese II-Severe Obesity: BMI 35.0-39.9%
- Obese III-Exceptionally Obese: BMI 40.0+%
Consequences
Those who exceed these height and weight standards are less likely to be approved to join the military:
Physical disabilities due to excess weight will prevent them from passing various military physical fitness tests.
Cardiac risk: Excessive BMI can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, including myocardial infarctions or strokes.
Other health issues resulting from obesity, like fatty liver disease, insulin sensitivity, and joint damage can severely impact their ability to conduct their duties.
- Limited job positions, if approved, and risk of being fiscally burdened by chronic medical conditions. It can also lead to extended leave or medical board examinations when separate government civilian employees are often entitled to.
Fat Reduction Efforts
However, many military branches provide counseling and support for their aspiring recruits to help adhere to a more beneficial weight loss plan, particularly in the morbidly obese or close-to-morbidly-obese categories:
Body Mass Index for military service
| Branch | BMI Range | Weight Range (for reference) |
|---|---|---|
| Army | 18.5–30.0% (22.5) | 154 lbs |
| Navy | 18.5-34.99 % | 154 lbs, plus 3.9* (1.25in)** |
| Air Force | 20–28.9 % | 154.99 lbs, plus 23.5* (2.5 in ***) |
| Marines | 18.5–30.9%, or 24%** | 148 lb (66.8* lbs) |
While achieving these standards is often successful, it’s important for those interested in the military to consult the right guidance and speak directly with a recruiter regarding physical limitations and potential options at various branches.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
What about those who were turned away due to BMI criteria or those who’ve acquired chronic health issues after having enlisted? Fortunately in more enlightened states or by means of medical professionals collaborating with the military.
When they undergo therapy and adhere to guidance provided by medical providers like:
RNs, MDs (physicians), Dietician/Nutritionist advice
- Professional coaching and counseling
These individuals can return with new health and energy or adjust their lifestyle within that newly designed self-management plan after some years of medical improvements if there are no immediate plans for active duty deployment upon enlisting.
There also exists a more favorable and supportive environment in all military branches:
This could be seen with numerous medical and fitness units actively helping and guiding candidates back on track. Examples abound where military personnel recover within 6-24- months after a new therapy approach and, often significantly healthier, return back without having to leave. Other people have successfully worked along their health journey before considering an active duty in 6-12 years based on their individual results achieved after their medical or recuperative period.
Keep the fact that morality of the military system would involve weighing ( BMI in body mass index) when judging and selecting recruits’, considering the health hazards inherent to military life with possible deployments, combat experiences among others.
Weight Limits Exceptions
There is 1% of fat-tolerant exceptions permitted during a periodical test of 2 consecutive visits in 3-year evaluation intervals. While many morbidly obese could, in theory, request exemptions, it does indeed need to be under official supervision and medical treatment control before joining the force officially.
