Risk factors associated with higher body fat in US Army female soldiers.

UNLABELLED: Increased body fat among US Soldiers is a continuing challenge that contributes to increased health risks and decreased combat readiness. Factors contributing to higher body fat among US Army female Soldiers have been minimally investigated.

PURPOSE: To investigate the risk factors associated with exceeding US Army body fat standards among active duty women in a light infantry brigade. Investigated risk factors include personal characteristics, physical training, physical fitness, and injury history.

METHODS: Data were obtained by survey from women in 3 US Army infantry brigades. Body fat percentage was calculated, and the women were categorized as either meeting or exceeding the maximum Army body fat standard of 30% for ages 17-20, 32% for ages 21-27, 34% for ages 28-39, and 36% for age 40 years or more. Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) results were converted into tertiles (T), where T1=lowest 1/3 of performance and T3=highest 1/3 of performance. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated from a multivariate analysis assessing risk associated with exceeding the Army body fat standards.

RESULTS: Among the women surveyed (n=629), 22% exceeded Army body fat standards. Higher risk of being above the Army standard was associated with older age (≥29 years / ≤23 years) (OR=47, 95% CI, 1.24-4.92), and poor aerobic fitness (APFT 2-mile run) (T1/T3) OR=6.11, 95% CI, 2.62-14.24), (T1/T2) OR=2.66, 95% CI, 1.12-6.33). A marginal association was found for poor muscular strength (APFT sit-ups) (T1/T3).

CONCLUSION: The results suggest that women who are older, and/or have poor aerobic fitness are more likely to exceed the maximum Army body fat standards.