The United States Air Force's new guidelines now allow significantly heavier recruits to enlist. However, within a year, they will still have to pass the newly implemented body composition test that is based on a person's height-to-waist ratio.

This new benchmark allows for higher body fat percentages than the prior standard, based on the recommendation of a team led by Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin. The change is intended to address the country's growing obesity epidemic and the challenges it poses to military recruitment.

The American Council on Exercise considers individuals with body fat percentages over 25% for men and 32% for women to be obese. The previous Air Force benchmark fell into the range of "acceptable" fat, according to the organization. The new rules will permit 50 to 100 more people to join the Air Force each month.

However, weight isn't the only problem plaguing military recruitment. Civilians' job market and a lack of military interest pose significant barriers, according to school recruiters. Additionally, the Pentagon still restricts dozens of health issues, from eczema to diabetes to antidepressant use, that could disqualify recruits.

The Air Force's fitness requirements will continue to apply, notwithstanding the weight limit. New airmen can expect to undergo the same annual fitness tests and standards as the rest of the military.

This month marks the start of the Air Force's new body composition test, which measures a person's height-to-waist ratio instead of their abdominal circumference. According to the Air Force, excess belly fat can increase a person's risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, hypertension, and musculoskeletal injuries.

To calculate the new ratio, enlisted members require measurement of the midpoint between the lowest rib and the top of the hip bone, where participants wrap a measuring tape around their waist. Then, the number is divided by the height in inches. 0.54 is the maximum ratio at which people are permitted to enlist.

Commanders can reprimand troops for missing repeated tests or appointments, but people won't face punishment for at least a year if they do not pass. In the event that an airman is not in better health after twelve months, the service may send them to a formal fitness program or consider taking administrative action, including separation.

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