High BMI for medical

1986j

Basically I am around 17st 12lbs at 6'3 and I am currently waiting for a medical date.

Whilst i am heavy I am also quite lean (visible 6 pack). I am aware that in order to fail the medical on grounds of your BMI (which mine is over 30) however I do not appear overweight nor is my bodyfat % likely to be 5% greater than what would typically be expected at someone my weight. (I estimate my bf % to be around 12-15%)

I am also aware that if you BMI is higher than 30 that you may possibly be required to do a physical test. Will this be the case if you do not appear to be overweight (fat) at all or will appearing 'muscular' negate the need to do a physical providing I pass all other aspects?

I am a little worried about this as I know the stigma associated with bigger guys however I do not see my size as a limiting factor at all as I am physically fit etc

Could anyone share some light on this please?

Shield

If you're obviously muscular, I'm hearing that the doctor just ignores the BMI reading. Remember it's just a guideline for the organisation to use. If a large portion of your body mass is visibly muscle, then I don't forsee a problem.

Delancey

As well as looking at BMI they will use a machine that uses electrical current to measure your fat % and of course the Dr's own observations ( i.e. candidate is healthy or candidate is a fat bastard ). It is a bit hard to say how it will go for you but the worst that will happen is that you may be required to do the physical test and if you are a fit guy that should not be a problem.
Ideally your BMI would be under 30 to avoid any stress though

1986j

Cheers.

Yea the prob with those machines are they are very tempermental and any degree of electrolyte imbalance or variance in hydration can throw it significantly.

Yea I don't see the point of getting much heavier anyway. Appreciate the speedy replies.

Also glad that if it is apparant that you are muscular then they will look objectively at it rather that strict adherence to the arguably outdated BMI guidelines.

Shield

If you are inclined to, come back and let us know how it went.

Best of luck.

jonnym61

I had my medical last december and came in at 108kg and 6ft which was a bmi of about 32 but i only had 12% body fat and passed mine, at the start when he weighed me he said i would def be invited back for pca but after body fat and other tests he told me i had passed which his letter confrmed a week or so later!

i think it had a lot to do with how much i had improved in a year, seeing as i failed it the year before, lost about 25kg, but u def sound like ur in better shape than i was then so i would think u should be ok!

1986j

jonnym61 wrote: »

I had my medical last december and came in at 108kg and 6ft which was a bmi of about 32 but i only had 12% body fat and passed mine, at the start when he weighed me he said i would def be invited back for pca but after body fat and other tests he told me i had passed which his letter confrmed a week or so later!

i think it had a lot to do with how much i had improved in a year, seeing as i failed it the year before, lost about 25kg, but u def sound like ur in better shape than i was then so i would think u should be ok!

Appreciate the reply. Hope everything else goes well tbh and I don't fail on something I take for granted such as hearing etc.

pma1983

when is you medical 1986j?

Cashflow

Bunch of guys in my squad were in the same boat. A couple in particular were asked to do the PCA circuit in order to pass the medical, it seems to be handled on a case by case basis.

1986j

Have not had a medical date yet pma1983. Whenever I think about the whole process I get very anxious as I am desperate to get this job.

Once again appreciate the feedback.