HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- In accordance with a policy letter signed by Lt. Gen. Terry Gabreski, Air Force Materiel Command vice commander, Hill Air Force Base is trying to reduce the number of Airmen assigned here who have a body mass index of more than 30, which is considered clinically obese.

Currently, 12.46 percent of active-duty personnel assigned to Hill have a BMI that is more than 30.0. The goal is to reduce this number to 11.21 percent in six months and to 10.09 percent in one year.

In order to calculate BMI, people can use one of the following formulas:
BMI = (weight in pounds / (height in inches) x (height in inches)) x 703 or
BMI = (weight in kilograms / (height in meters) x (height in meters)).

Military members in the 75th Air Base Wing with a BMI that is greater than 30, or lower based on group commander's discretion, or present an unprofessional military image will receive a memorandum for record, said Col. Linda Medler, the 75th ABW commander.

This MFR will direct the individual to lose three to five pounds a month through diet changes, increased exercise and Health and Wellness Center classes until they are under the 30 BMI, she said. Most individuals will remain in the program for at least six months because behavior changes take at least that long to take effect and become lifestyle changes.

"It is my sincere desire that each member succeed in becoming more physically fit and present a professional military appearance," said Colonel Medler. "But more importantly, I want everyone to be physically healthy so they lead long, productive lives even after they finish their military service."

According to Kammi Hansen, HAWC registered dietitian, there are many long term effects of obesity - they include being more likely to develop cancer, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, fatty liver disease, gallbladder disease, and pregnancy and fertility problems.

"Obesity also increases the risk of dying sooner," she said. "There is also joint and muscle pain that can be associated with obesity as well as social, mental and emotional pain."

One of the best thing people can do to lose weight is to cut down on portions of the food they eat.

"Portions sizes have doubled and even tripled over the past 20 years - we simply eat too much," Mrs. Hansen said. "Beverages are also a big source of calories; and not just soda. Punches, sports drinks and juices can provide significant calories.

"You have only so many calories per day that you need before you start storing extras as fat. Budget those calories throughout the day so you don't get more than you need. If you are eating out more than one to two times per week and drinking a lot of sugary beverages, it may be hard to keep those calories in check."

For more information on losing weight, call the HAWC at 777-1215. For more information on the Professional Military Image Program, call Capt. Tara McCall at 568-9768.