Weight Control Study Guide

What is meant by the term "overweight"?

A soldier is considered overweight when his or her percent body fat exceeds the
standard specified in AR 600-9.

Who is responsible for meeting the standards prescribed in AR 600-9?

Every Soldier. (Commissioned Officer, Warrant Officer and Enlisted). Self discipline
to maintain proper weight distribution and high standards of appearance are
essential to every individual in the Army.

What are the primary objectives of the Army Weight Control Program?
Ensure that all personnel:

• Are able to meet the physical demands of their duties under combat
conditions
• Present a trim military appearance at all times.

Name some limitiations on personnel that are overweight, including

Soldiers who become pregnant while on the weight control program.

1. Are nonpromotable (to the extent such nonpromotion is permitted by law).

2. Will not be assigned to command, command sergeant major or first
sergeant positions.
3. Are not authorized to attend professional military schools.

Can a Soldier who has been flagged for being overweight or an APFT
failure receive an award?
A Soldier that is flagged for being overweight cannot receive an award.
A Soldier that is flagged for APFT failure can receive an award
When is a determination of percent body fat required to be made on
personnel?

• When their body weight exceeds the screening table weight.

• When the unit commander or supervisor determines that the individual's
appearance suggests that body fat is excessive.

What are three reasons why the Army is so concerned about excess body
fat?

1. Connotes a lack of personal discipline.

2. Detracts from military appearance.
3. May indicate a poor state of health, physical fitness, or stamina.

When does enrollment in a weight control program begin?

On the day that the soldier is informed by the unit commander that he or she has
been entered into a weight control program.

Tape measures used for taping should be made of what material?

The tape measure should be made of a non-stretchable material, preferably
fiberglass; cloth or steel tapes are unacceptable.

How often should soldiers in the weight control program weight in?
Monthly to measure progress

What is the required weight loss goal for Soldiers on the Army Weight
Control Program?
The required weight loss goal of 3 to 8 pounds per month is considered a safely
attainable goal to enable soldiers to lose excess body fat and meet the body fat
standards

What regulation covers the Army Weight Control Program?

AR 600-9

Screening table weights and heights are measured to the nearest what?
1 pound or 1 inch

What three things must happen when a soldier is determined to be

overweight?

1. Will be provided exercise guidance, dietary information or weight reduction

counseling by health care personnel, and assistance in behavioral
modification, as appropriate, to help them attain the requirements of the
Army.
2. Entered into weight control program by unit commanders
3. Flagged by the Commander under the provisions of AR 600-8-22

How often should soldiers be weighed?

A soldier should be weighed when they take the APFT or at least every six months

Define Tape Test:

The method of determining the percent of body fat on a soldier.
What circumference sites are used for taping male and female soldiers?

• Male- Abdomen and Neck

• Female- Neck, Waist and Hip (largest portion of the protruding buttock)

How many times is each measurement required to be made?

Three times (Each sequential measurement will be within 1⁄2 inch of the next or
previous measurement.)

How many people should be utilized in the taping of soldiers?

Two, one to place the tape measure and determine the measurements, the other to
assure proper placement and tension of the tape, as well as to record the
measurement on the worksheet

If circumstances prevent the weighing of soldiers immediately following

the APFT, when can they be weighed?
If the circumstances preclude weighing soldiers during the APFT, they should be
weighed within 30 days of the APFT.

It is a requirement that all TDY and PCS orders contain what statement in
regards to weight control?
“You are responsible for reporting to your next duty station/school in satisfactory
physical condition, able to pass the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) and meet
weight standards.”

In regards to percent body fat, all personnel are encouraged to achieve

the more stringent Department of Defense-wide goal of what?
 • Males - 18%
• Females - 26%

To assist soldiers in meeting the requirements prescribed in AR 600-9,

weight-screening tables are used. The screening weight is based on what
two considerations?
Height and age with separate tables for males and females