Excess Weight - COVID challenges and a failed medical

[ALIPALLY]

I'm after some advice regarding weight and the medical side of things.

I did my medical for the Royal Navy Reserves back in March 2020 and unfortunately did not pass as I was fractionally over the BMI range for my height/weight ratio. Shortly after, everything kicked off with COVID and whilst I had the intention of losing the weight I needed to contest the BMI results (-2kg), I unfortunately gained 10kg (I'm an emotional eater, and with the stress of COVID and stuff going on at work it took it's toll).

I have updated my CA at the AFCO, but they've only given me until beginning of December to get the weight off. Initially I thought great, but I've found it incredibly challenging. I'm down 4kg already (which I'm chuffed with) but I'm concerned I'm not going to be able to get the remaining weight off (6kg) in time to report back to my CA beginning of December.

Does anyone have any advise, other than eat less move more? I don't really want to go back to my CA with negative news that I cannot progress further. In retrospect, I was told at my medical in March that I'd have 12 months to lose the weight and contest the BMI - is my CA being to pushy to get the weight off? I'm in a position where I don't want to drop the weight so quickly that I end up yo-yoing afterwards; it's not healthy and I want this weight to come off healthily.

With the stresses of COVID restrictions on top of the demands of work, I'm considering withdrawing my application and reapplying again later down the line as I would like to get the weight off healthily. However, I would like to know how long I'd have to wait before I can reapply again. Does anyone have any information on this? I have emailed my CA and AFCO with my concerns but have had no response yet.

Any advise would be appreciated.

 

[RN Applicant]

I applied in 2018 and was given a year to lose weight but actually put on 25kg which is a lot but just before the first lockdown happened i went on a fitness drive gave up all the bad habits big and small and started walking 10k steps or more a day and boxing to help lose the weight. Then the gyms started to open again and since the start of the first lockdown in March till now I have lost 41kg and going for 45kg. I reapplied in July and currently waiting on capita to stop slowing everything down, but from my weight loss journey for the navy I have to say consistency is key and keeping the steps and training up.

You can always reapply when you are ready to, I know the recruitment test doesn't expire now as my CA said to me.

I hope that the training goes well and that you make it in

 

[ALIPALLY]

@RN Applicant I've taken heed of advice given to me by many. I contacted my CM about it and I've decided to withdraw initially to give me more time to get the weight off sustainably. I've got a good support network behind me which is great, so I'm anticipating to reapply like you did in a year's time. Thank you for sharing your experience! Well done for the hard work

Good luck with your application.