Rum Ration
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**scuba-doo** · 20-05-12, 20:58

Hello

I am midway through recruitment, pending medical review. The doctor has told me the maximum waist measurement for female candidates is 80 cm, and as I currently measure around 87, he has advised there is no point returning for medical review until I hit this target.

According to my first medical, my BMI wasn't an issue (although it's probably the higher end of things) and I am fit enough to do the PJFT - apparently it's just my waist measurement holding me back now. I have been loosing weight, slowly - its just not coming off my waist!! I've spoken to so many people about this (matelots and civvies) and no-one has any idea why this one particular measurement is so significant? Surely it's more important to be healthy for your body shape than to loose too much weight all over so that one measurement ticks a box.

Anyway, if it's a hoop I have to jump through so be it - just wondering if anyone could shed any light on here?

**soleil** · 20-05-12, 21:14

Welcome to Rum Ration, SD.

How tall are you and how much do you weigh?

**scuba-doo** · 20-05-12, 21:20

Hello, thank you

I am 5.4 and weigh 11 st 8, so my BMI is around 28?

**soleil** · 20-05-12, 21:27

It is, it comes to a BMI of just under 28, which is higher than desirable.

Rum Ration has a resident RN Doctor who will, I hope, be doing his rounds at some point. He will have some good advice for you, I'm sure.

**scuba-doo** · 20-05-12, 21:33

Thanks, that would be good - as I said, although I'm aware it's the higher end of things, I was advised that my BMI wasn't the problem, just round my waist. But perhaps the doctor just wasn't being as clear as he could have been...

**CmdKeen** · 20-05-12, 23:01

If your BMI is above 25 then the measurement (more of midriff than waist) is taken as it is an approximation of whether the excess weight is more loseable fat or more musculature. It is a solution to the old rugby player dilemma.

It is a relatively new rule and the RN don't seem to advertise it online yet, although the RAF have it on their site. So in short if the circumference isn't coming down your best bet is to get your BMI down to <25. Though if you lose that you will probably find your measurement has dropped down as well.

**angrydoc** · 21-05-12, 05:50

The "old rugby player dilemma" doesn't need a solution - see BMI threads passim.

I have to say I was unaware of a maximum waist circumference but it is important to aim for a BMI <25.

**Drakey** · 21-05-12, 07:27

"Anyway, if it's a hoop I have to jump through so be it - just wondering if anyone could shed any light on here?".................. Do they make hoops that big?

**SONAR-BENDER** · 21-05-12, 09:38

I just got out my trusty B&Q tapemeasure ('cos it's got Metric and Imperial see!) so as I could find out what 87 is. Bleedin hell scuba-do, that is almost the same as me (I'm a 36 which is 91) But I'm a bloke! But having lived with dieting females all my life - no jokes about submariners here! - I do feel your pain.

This raises a couple of points - it is too large for your height, whether a pear or an apple!
The other is, as your name is scuba-doo, I'm guessing that you are a diver, as am I. Now assuming you enjoy that pastime, just think how much lead you could ditch to get down and how much easier it would be to walk up the beach or get back into the boat after a dive. Ever had the 'beached whale' comment.................?

As always - eat less and exercise more. Simples. There is NO other way.

Good luck!

**scuba-doo** · 21-05-12, 18:38

Thank you for the input all, (well most of it...

) I guess it does make sense that for a higher BMI they would be more picky about how big your waist is. I know I've got to meet the target, it's just easier to get motivated when you understand why.

I've never been a string bean, and wouldn't want to be, but I'm not at all going to accept the beached whale comment

I'll have you know I worked three seasons as a Divemaster running backwards and forwards in kit and getting in and out of boats all day long!! Fitness and waist measurement are not always so closely correlated...

But thanks again for the wisdom, just got to keep at it