Why are firefighters obese?

Firefighters often consume diets high in processed carbo- hydrates and sugar, which promote obesity and cardiovascular disease. > Diets that keep insulin levels stable and focus on foods with a low glycemic index promote a healthy body composition and improved performance.

Can you be fat and be a firefighter?

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has reported body composition rates in firefighters to be either overweight or obese at rates between 78 to 88 percent in the report “Addressing the Epidemic of Obesity in the United States Fire Service.”

What BMI do you need to be a firefighter?

Twenty-five percent of firefighters were in the normal weight category (BMI 18.5 ≤ 24.9). Fifty-six percent of the firefighters were in the overweight category (BMI 25≤ 29.9). Nineteen percent of the firefighters were in the obese weight category (BMI > 30).

What percentage of firefighters are obese CDC?

We also evaluated firefighters’ weight change over time. The mean BMI among 332 firefighters increased from 29 at baseline to 30 at the follow-up examination (2001), and the prevalence of obesity increased from 35% to 40%, respectively (p < 0.0001).

What weight should a firefighter be?

Most fire departments in the US don’t have a weight limit for firefighters. Some departments have bodyfat restrictions, but they usually only apply to new recruit firefighters. Many departments do have annual physical performance tests for all firefighters to ensure they are fit enough to do their job.

What does a fireman suit weigh?

A turnout coat is the type of jacket that firefighters wear. Turnout coats can weigh as much as 20 pounds and consists of several layers of fire-resistant materials to provide protection from heat and moisture.

Is there a class 4 obesity?

Four phenotypes of obesity have been described, based on body fat composition and distribution: (1) normal weight obese; (2) metabolically obese normal weight; (3) metabolically healthy obese; and (4) metabolically unhealthy obese. Sarcopenic obesity has been characterized, related to all the described phenotypes.