Body mass index, or BMI, is a measurement of your percentage of body fat, based on your current height and weight. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute offers basic BMI categories ranging from underweight to obese, and the military regulates BMI standards for soldiers to help men and women in all branches of military service to remain physically fit and healthy.
Civilian
Body mass index standards for civilians recommended by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute designate people with BMIs of 18.5 and under to be underweight. Individuals with a BMI of between 18.5 and 24.9 are considered to be of normal weight, while those with a BMI of 25.0 to 29.0 are considered overweight. Anyone with a body mass index of 30 or over is considered by the National Institutes of Health to be obese.
Army
The U.S. Army rates body fat between males and females and then based on age groups. Soldiers are recommended to maintain about 18 percent body fat for males and approximately 26 percent body fat for females. Standards per age group include 30 percent for those women between 17 and 20 years old, 32 percent for those 21 to 27 years of age, and 24 percent for those from 28 and 39 years of age. Soldiers over 40 should maintain approximately 36 percent body fat. Men are recommended to maintain a 20-percent to 26-percent body fat measurement for age groups from 17 to over 40.
Marine Corps
According to the USMC physical fitness test and body composition program, the body fat composition standards for male recruits are 18 percent or less. Female recruits should measure at 26 percent or less, based on their height and current weight measurements.
U.S. Air Force
Air Force recruits and airmen follow BMI guidelines as determined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Airmen are recommended to maintain a body mass index at 25 or under, based on current weight and height.
U.S. Navy
The U.S. Navy requires male sailor recruits to average around 22 percent or less in body fat, and women sailor recruits to average 33 percent or less in body fat composition. Active-duty sailors shouldn't be over 25 percent for men and 36 percent for women, based on their current height and weight.
References
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: Calculate Your BMI
- Army Physical Fitness Test Standards: US Army Female Body Fat Standards
- Army Physical Fitness Test Standards: US Army Male Body Fat Standards
- USMC.mil: United States Marine Corps Physical Fitness Testing and Body Composition Program
- Nacyvs.com: Height and Weight Standards for the United States Navy
- Military.com: Air Force to Tweak Fitness Test
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