Could having a bad BMI on the medical disqualify you from the academy?

[Adeodatus]

Hey guys,

As I asked in the title, could having a bad BMI on the medical disqualify you from the academy?

So I am a tank of an individual. Loads of muscle and unfortunately a fair amount of fat that I have been trying to shake off me for months (lots of diet and exercise). Hitting the gym 3+ times a week for a minimum of 1 hour, mainly running with a little lifting.

To give you an example of what I am like, I am a former thrower (shot-put/discus) and football player in high school. On top of that I did lots of lifting and circuit training in college in a fire fighting program.

I am 25 and 5'11", 250lbs.

My BMI (online calculator) says I am 34.9 (obese)

To get to a BMI of 30 I would need to get down to 215. I feel I could loose 30 pounds but don't see how I could do more than that without sacrificing muscle.

However I feel I am in good shape.
-Capable of running 5 miles. Aiming for 10 miles by January.
-Push ups and sit ups are easy.
-I can sprint really well.
-Flexibility is good, except for an annoying gut.
-Looking to push myself further with cross-fit or finding a circuit training program.

Whats your thoughts?

[Spyder]

Unless your hiring agency has BMI as a disqualifier, as long as you can do the DT and PT sessions, you should be fine. It sounds like you'll be in much better shape than a lot of the folks you'll be running with.

[Jimvh2]

I was concerned about the same thing but for personal knowledge a little too old for a career change.

6'0 and 215. The BMI calculators put me over 30%.

My gym had this as an event so I did it. According to them the best way to measure BMI is in a tank. I did it and got my lean muscle mass # along with fat.

http://www.bodyfattest.com

Their trucks are all over the place.

BTW- As an added bonus the woman that ran the truck was very nice on the eyes.

[hermosabeach]

If it is a concern, have you had your body fat % tested?

BMI does not work for strength.... As you said, excessive muscle mass = obese

[Thesource161]

I'd say it depends on the department your applying for. Some departments will disqualify you for the smallest thing possible. They have so many applicants any small hiccup they will just throw your app out.

The medical evaluation is usually one of the last few things in your process so you'll have some time to try and drop weight.

[jdubs71]

This shouldn't keep you from getting accepted into the academy. I went through with a guy that was 5-5 and drank a two liter of soda every day. He actually managed to gain weight in the academy. Lord I hope he's not a cop somewhere. If you're obese than that makes me morbidly obese at 6-0 270. I was about 260 when I started the academy and didn't have any issues. Getting hired by an agency as a big guy has not really been an issue for me. I'm at my third agency now.

[wrestlingnrj]

As a skinny guy who can't run for crap (barely passed my PT test for my dept), it sounds like you'll be fine.

[BigStiCK]

Fatties!

BMI is not a disqualifying issue with my department (CHP), but it will get you extra attention in the Academy.

While I wouldnt forego weights, I would focus on training more like an MMA fighter. Flexibility, lotsa Cardio & endurance are much more important than pure strength.

[WyattandDoc]

You need to increase your workouts. The regimen you described isn't even close to reducing BMI

[scadvice]

Since your in Mountain View you might go see Eric here at http://www.scorpionschoolllc.com/index.php he is a very likable guy who had some of the same issues early in life.
From reading your posts I think this will serve two purposes for you, your core mental confidence and core physical strengths. Good luck!

[ABF]

Adeodatus,
Are you trying to get hired by an agency and have them sponsor you through an academy, or are you sponsoring yourself?

Being a "Class 1 Heavy" (like me) in itself isn't a DQ, but it could discourage an agency from giving you a second look as a "trainee hire". After all, they are gambling on your ability to finish the academy. If you sponsor yourself through an academy, and it looks like you'll finish, you'll be getting job offers before graduation.

[Just-in]

San Francisco DQ'd someone I know for a height/weight issue. I don't know of any other agency in the area who does that as long as you can pass the assessment or POST Work Sample Test Battery to enroll/get hired.

[Adeodatus]

Adeodatus,
Are you trying to get hired by an agency and have them sponsor you through an academy, or are you sponsoring yourself?

Being a "Class 1 Heavy" (like me) in itself isn't a DQ, but it could discourage an agency from giving you a second look as a "trainee hire". After all, they are gambling on your ability to finish the academy. If you sponsor yourself through an academy, and it looks like you'll finish, you'll be getting job offers before graduation.

Trying to get hired and have a department sponsor me.

Ok, cool. Thanks for the info.

San Francisco DQ'd someone I know for a height/weight issue. I don't know of any other agency in the area who does that as long as you can pass the assessment or POST Work Sample Test Battery to enroll/get hired.

Ok, good to know. Thanks!

I have no issue passing department physical tests or the WSTB.