Alcoast 469/08
comdtnote 1020
subj: October 2008 semi-annual weigh-in and future revised maximum
allowable weight and body fat standards
a. Weight and body fat manual, comdtinst m1020.8 (series)
1. The purpose of this alcoast is three-fold: To remind personnel
about, and emphasize the importance of, the current weight program,
to announce a future implementation of body-mass index (bmi)-based
weight standards, and to announce a future reduction to the maximum
allowable body fat percentage.
2. The coast guard weight and body fat standards exist to ensure
members are capable of meeting coast guard operational needs
and challenges, are fit for duty, and that their appearance
reflects credit upon themselves, the coast guard, and the united
states.
3. For the october 2008 semi annual weigh-in, commands are
reminded to ensure all members understand the cg weight and
body fat standards program, promote healthy lifestyle choices at
their units, and enforce development of basic fitness plans.
Commands shall ensure all weigh-ins are conducted with integrity
and professionalism, as outlined in ref a, and entered into direct
access no later than 15 november 2008.
4. On 1 october 2009, the coast guard will advance its goal of
promoting health and fitness in our service by adopting a maximum
allowable weight (maw) standard based on body mass index (bmi).
Additionally, in concert with the department of defense, maximum
body fat standards will be reduced by one percentage point for all
cg personnel, regardless of age or gender.
5. Bmi is a number calculated from a persons weight and height.
It provides a reliable indicator of body fatness and is used to
screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems. It
is recognized by the centers for disease control (cdc) as one of
the best methods for population assessment of obesity corresponding
to risk for disease. Dod adopted the max bmi of 27.5 in their
physical fitness and body fat program after evidence-based research
revealed it to be a well-established tool for determining healthy
weight ranges.
6. Revised maw (based on bmi of 27.5, regardless of age or
gender):
Height (inches) weight (lbs)
58 131
59 136
60 141
61 145
62 150
63 155
64 160
65 165
66 170
67 175
68 180
69 186
70 191
71 197
72 202
73 208
74 214
75 220
76 225
77 231
78 237
79 244
80 250
7. Revised maximum allowable body fat (bf):
Age percent bf (male) percent bf (female)
less than 30 22 32
less than 40 24 34
over 40 26 36
8. The following timeline outlines the implementation plan:
A. September 2008: Alcoast announcement of the 1 october 2009
change to weight and body fat standards. Cg-1111 and cg-1221, with
the assistance of pre-selected volunteer units, will beta-test the
new standards during the october 2008 weigh-in period.
Administrative lessons learned from these beta-tests, and any
required procedural changes, will be incorporated and promulgated
as necessary.
B. April 2009: During the semi-annual weigh-in, members will be
reminded of their new bmi-based maw that will take effect 1 october
2009. In addition to current procedures, units will be required to
screen and document all members based on bmi-based maw and new max
body fat standards for awareness purposes. Administrative
personnel will be required to confirm the accuracy of height
information in direct access.
C. 1 october 2009: New bmi-based maw and new body fat standards
will take effect. The "my readiness" portal in cg central will be
modified to reflect bmi, including a link to a bmi information
site.
9. All members are encouraged to monitor their bmi by going to
the following website:
http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/. Be
aware that this centers for disease control website uses a bmi of
25.0 to let you know when you are assessed as overweight and at a
higher risk for chronic health conditions, such as high blood
pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Members seeking
information on safe and effective weight management programs should
access resources provided by the health promotion program through
their unit health promotion coordinator or regional health
promotion manager.
10. Additonal information will be distributed throughout the year
on cg central and the work-life website.
11. Commands with questions regarding this policy change are
encouraged to contact their respective administrative office or
regional health promotion manager (rhpm) for clarification. Rhpms
with questions regarding health promotion may contact ms. Aimee
labrecque, comdt (cg-1111), at 202-475-5153. Administrative
personnel with questions regarding policy may contact ltjg frank
marcheski, comdt (cg-1221), at (202)475-5382.
12. Released by rdml daniel a. Neptun, director of personnel
management.
13. Internet release is authorized.