Becoming a member of our nation’s armed forces is a noble commitment to your country. And though you may not think of it this way, it’s also a commitment to your health. Physical fitness is an especially crucial component of serving in the Army. To ensure that all soldiers are adequately prepared for the challenges of training and combat, the Army has strict physical fitness requirements – including restrictions on body weight.

If you’re looking to enlist, but you’re concerned about not being able to meet the Army weight loss requirement, Medarts can help. Here are some tips to get you started on the road to physical fitness, so you can achieve your goal of military service.

Learn the Army Weight Loss Requirements

Start by familiarizing yourself with the Army Body Composition Program. This regulation details the physical fitness requirements for all soldiers, including the maximum allowable weight and percentage of body fat based on an individual’s height. Learning what’s expected of you can help to determine exactly what you need to change.

Set Attainable Weight Loss Goals

Once you’ve used the Army Body Composition Program to identify your target weight, you might feel overwhelmed when you see the number of pounds you need to drop. That’s why it can be helpful to break your overall weight loss goal down into smaller, more attainable goals. Think about losing weight a pound at a time. This can make the whole process seem less daunting.

Make Changes to your Lifestyle

It’s important to think of your weight loss as a long-term lifestyle change, as opposed to a one-time effort. The Army will require you to maintain your weight loss and will perform regular weigh-ins at six-month intervals to make sure you remain in compliance. To achieve sustained results, you’ll need to establish healthy eating habits and an effective exercise routine. Consider the following:

Cut Back on Sugar

Multiple studies have shown a link between high sugar intake and weight gain. Eliminating sugary drinks and sticky sweets from your diet is a quick way to help you lose excess pounds.

Eat Sensible Portions

Instead of denying yourself all the foods you really love, eat smaller portions. This can help control your cravings while consuming fewer calories.

Drink Lots of Water

Staying properly hydrated can keep hunger pangs at bay, and can also provide a boost of energy for workouts.

Exercise Daily

Aim for at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity to start. As your endurance increases, amp up the intensity levels of your workouts.

Take the Stairs

Small changes to your daily routine can pay off big in terms of physical fitness. Opt for the stairs instead of the elevator, or take a long, leisurely walk instead of a quick drive.

Enroll in a Weight Management Program At Medarts

Even when you’re doing everything right, losing weight can take time. If you need a kickstart, Medarts can customize a weight management program to fit your specific body, needs, and goals. We offer several options for patients who need to meet the Army weight loss requirement, including lipotropic injections and appetite suppressants. Our highly qualified staff members are committed to providing one-on-one support and helping you lose weight safely and efficiently.

Already enlisted in San Diego? Medarts offers Military Discounts

At Medarts Weight Loss Specialists, we’re proud to support our armed forces, which is why we offer a military discount. Show your military ID badge and you can enjoy savings on lipotropic injections and appetite suppressants. Call our office today at (619) 866-3333 to set up your free consultation.