Correlates of body mass index in hazardous materials firefighters

We analyzed results from the medical examinations of 340 hazardous material s (HAZMAT) firefighters and observed the relationships between selected par ameters and body mass index (BMI). Heights and weights were available for 9 8% of the subjects (333 of 340). The mean BMI was 28.9 +/- 4.1 kg/m(2) . Ei ghty-seven percent (290 of 333) of subjects were overweight (BMI greater th an or equal to 25) and 34% (113 of 333) were obese (BMI greater than or equ al to 30). Two percent (7 of 333) were morbidly obese (BMI greater than or equal to 39). For comparison purposes, we divided subjects into low (BMI < 27), medium (BMI 27 to < 30), and high (BMI greater than or equal to 30) BM I groups. The results demonstrated adverse associations between increasing BMI and resting blood pressures, forced vital capacity, alanine aminotransf erase, aspartate aminotransferase, serum cholesterol, and overall morbidity scores. The high prevalence of overweight and obesity and the associated a dverse health effects support the development and implementation of fitness -promotion programs for firefighters.