MCO P1100.73B.pdf - Marine Corps

MPPM OFFPROC
1. The body may be divided between two basic components, fat tissue
and lean weight (muscle and other parts of the body such as bones). A
person’s fat content may be expressed as a percent of the total body
weight. There are several methods for assessment of total body fat
which vary from the simple and inexpensive (anthropometric measurement)
to the very sophisticated and extremely expensive (potassium-40
scintillation counting). Hydrostatic weighing (weighing a person under
water to determine their specific gravity which is convertible to a
relative percentage of fat) is generally accepted as the most accurate
measurement of body composition. Anthropometry is a term that applies
to measurement of the external aspects of the body, such as body
diameters, circumference, and skinfold thickness. These anthropometric
measurements have shown as high correlation with hydrostatic weighing
as an accepted method to determine body composition.
2. Scientific research has demonstrated that physical performance is
adversely affected by excess body fat. From a health standpoint, the
carrying of excess body fat has been recognized as a significant risk
factor. Although there are no readily definable percent fat values for
acceptable performance, there are ranges when it can be said that
performance will be helped or hampered by body composition. Successful
marathon runners average 10 percent body fat. Research with professional
football players has shown that backs and wide receiver’s will
usually be 8 to 10 percent fat, while linemen are between 10 to 16
percent on the average. Individuals generally are considered grossly
obese at 30 percent and above, while 20 percent body fat and above
for average males is generally considered inappropriate for activity
involving strenuous exertion. The average percent of body fat for male
Marines is 16.5 percent. The Marine Corps, more than any other
military service relies on maximum allowable percent of body fat for
the establishment of an alternate weight standard for male Marines.
The maximum is established at 18 percent and below.
3. The following chart is provided as a field measurement for the
estimation of percent of body fat for male Marines. The waist circumference
should be taken at the navel with the Marine standing evenly on
both legs. The waist should not be "sucked in" but in a normal relaxed
position. The tape should not cut into the skin but be able to move
freely. The neck circumference should be measured at a point just
below the larynx (Adam’s apple). Measurements should be read to the
nearest 1/4 inch for the neck and 1/2 inch for the waist. Find the
appropriate waist measurement on the left side of the chart and the
appropriate neck measurement along the top of the chart.
EXAMPLES
NECK - 16 INCHES
WAIST - 5 INCHES
BODY FAT % - 15.6
Figure 2-44.--Body Fat percentage for Men--Continued.
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