19 replies to this topic

[Scot]

I know it's far off, and I may not get there. But the medical is part of the process that is most scaring me, I have a high BMI, but i'm active and fit, run a few 10k's here and there. I just think that a BMI is an outdated way of indicating state of someone's health, but it's the part that is going to get me!

[Bailiff]

I agree mate. Very outdated, and does not show a true indication of ones fitness at all. However, it's what's required; so if your BMI is above the force limit, eat healthy, keep the cardio up and get that BMI down. If it makes you feel any better, I'm in the same boat...

[LDE]

I have the exact same issue, am a BMI of 31 and do martial arts training twice a week and regularly run. I am fit, and know that I can reach level 12.5 on the bleep test.

[Scot]

Doesn't take into account age, muscle mass etc etc could go on. Annoying, so a crash diet has to start. So annoying, it's the only scottish force that seems to do this! What if you're a body builder?!

[Marty McFly]

Doesn't take into account age, muscle mass etc etc could go on. Annoying, so a crash diet has to start. So annoying, it's the only scottish force that seems to do this! What if you're a body builder?!

How high is your bmi? If you don't mind me asking

[Scot]

Yeah sure, it's just under 31. Annoying..

[Dizzydee]

Agreed, BMI isn't the best indicator.

[Scot]

I wonder if anyone has been over and they've overlooked it...?

[MacGregor]

Ask for/get a body fat test to be done, don't know if Strathclyde will let you but worth a try.

[disco]

When I applied my BMI was over but they took into account that I wasn't 'carrying' any weight.

That said, this was for Fife Police, but they were quite sensible about it!

Hope this makes you feel better

[Scot]

That does make me feel a lot better thanks. Was it a binding result for BMI like strathclyde, who seem to have a 'if it's not in the range, no offer' policy for BMI? Also, the body fat thing sounds good, when I had that last tested my resut was 'low', but again I don't know how accepting they'll be.

[Marty McFly]

That does make me feel a lot better thanks. Was it a binding result for BMI like strathclyde, who seem to have a 'if it's not in the range, no offer' policy for BMI? Also, the body fat thing sounds good, when I had that last tested my resut was 'low', but again I don't know how accepting they'll be.

The best thing to do is phone recruitment, in my case I was like 29.8 and the nurse said ". 2 more and you would've failed, lucky! ", and as I rugby player and a cyclist I'm not fat but I've got alot of muscle, particularly on my legs, so I was in a similar situation... There may be a way to appeal the medical if you fail, or get your body measured, but recruitment will be able to tell you

Edited by andyfofo, 15 May 2012 - 11:23 PM.

[Strathy-SC]

I'm pretty sure the force is pretty strict with BMI, I totally agree that BMI is a pretty poor reflection of health you'd probably find every single professional rugby player would be over the BMI requirements!

[Scot]

They are the only force that seems to enforce this strictly. Odd. Oh well strict diet and lots of cardio before a (hopefully happening) medical.

[Marty McFly]

I'm pretty sure the force is pretty strict with BMI, I totally agree that BMI is a pretty poor reflection of health you'd probably find every single professional rugby player would be over the BMI requirements!

There was actually a story in the news a couple of years ago (on my phone so can't find it) where everyone on the england rugby team was measured and classed as clinically obese in bmi terms.
But considering bmi was invented by a belgian scientist in the 1800's its hardly surprising

They are the only force that seems to enforce this strictly. Odd. Oh well strict diet and lots of cardio before a (hopefully happening) medical.

On the plus side, you only have 1.1 points to go down, manageable with a bit of effort!

[Scot]

Well exactly, hopefully it will show dedication in some shape or form. Student life is now coming bacl and biting me in the a*s. Just confusing with an active lifestyle.

[BlueBand]

I wonder if anyone has been over and they've overlooked it...?

Yes, but that was for the role of PCSO.

[Scot]

Think strathclyde is a definite yes or no.

[MacGregor]

But considering bmi was invented by a belgian scientist in the 1800's its hardly surprising

It isn't even supposed to be used to screen individuals, quite why they would be so strict I don't know.

[Scot]

Asked the aunt who's a doctor, and she said that it's a cheap, easy way to identify general health, taking into consideration other factors. Many places do it because the other methods are too time consuming/expensive etc.