Introduction. More than 70% of US firefighters are overweight or obese (1), exceeding the national average for adults (2,3). Obesity is a major threat to firefighter health and safety and is associated with an increased risk of job-related disability (4,5), high blood pressure (2), and cardiovascular disease (6).
Are firefighters obese?
> Rates of overweight and obese individuals in the fire service are higher than those found in the general public, ranging from 73 percent to 88 percent of firefighters.
What percentage of firefighters are obese CDC?
The mean BMI among 332 firefighters increased from 29 at baseline to 30 at the follow-up examination (2001), and the prevalence of obesity increased from 35% to 40%, respectively (p < 0.0001). In addition, the proportion of firefighters with extreme obesity increased 4-fold at follow-up (from 0.6% to 2.4%, p < 0.0001).
Why do firefighters get fat?
Quiros points to a chaotic, almost manic daily schedule as one of several reasons that firefighters are likely to become obese on the job. Not only are firefighters more likely to eat fast food, but these men and women are routinely placed in high-stress situations.
Are firefighters out of shape?
Four out of five firefighters nationwide are overweight or obese, and roughly half of all firefighters who die in the line of duty each year are killed by heart attacks. … People have this image of the firefighter running out of a burning building holding a baby in this super athletic state.
What percent of Americans are obese?
In the United States, 36.5 percent of adults have obesity. Another 32.5 percent of American adults are overweight. In all, more than two-thirds of adults in the United States are overweight or have obesity.
Are firefighters required to workout?
Firefighters need strong aerobic capacity for the rigors of the everyday job, which can include running up stairs, climbing ladders and more. This is all while carrying up to 75 pounds of PPE, depending on the job. Departments can test for aerobic capacity in a variety of ways.
How much does a firefighter jacket weight?
Everyday gear
The first part of a firefighter’s gear is boots and pants (14 pounds) and jacket (7 pounds). The boots and jacket each have three layers of material to protect firefighters.
How much can a firefighter lift?
When all is said and done, a firefighter will need to be able to lift, conservatively 200 lbs at a time in various forms. Some of the weight will be personal protective gear (turnouts, boots, helmet, SCBA) with the addition of either hose, various tools, a person being rescued, or a ladder.
What does a fireman suit weigh?
The total weight of a firefighter’s PPE depends on the tools needed for the job, but basic PPE (helmet, hood, pants, coat, gloves, boots and air pack) weighs about 45 pounds. Add a thermal imaging camera, radio, box light and set of irons (Halligan bar and axe) and you’re up to about 75 pounds.
Why are firefighters shaped?
“A physically fit workforce increases productivity, ensures the longevity that we can keep Picatinny’s talented fire fighters, and increases their quality of life.” Since the firefighters live in the firehouse several days a week, they have incorporated healthier eating and meal planning into their routine as well.