Is Today's U.S. Air Force Fit? It Depends on How Fitness is Measured

Physical fitness is vital to military readiness and linked to a wide variety of health outcomes, such as hypertension and heart disease, sleep, cognitive functioning, and mental health. Since 2012, less than 1 percent of airmen have exceeded the U.S. Air Force (USAF) abdominal circumference (AC) standards. On average, airman fitness has been improving over time. The average AC has been decreasing over time. The average 1.5-mile run time has steadily decreased through 2016. The average number of push-ups and sit-ups completed during regular USAF fitness assessments has increased. Conclusions about healthy body composition depend heavily on the specific measure and standard being used. Body mass index classifies 60 percent of airmen as overweight or obese. Waist-to-height ratio indicates that between 14 and 22 percent of airmen have an increased risk of an adverse health condition. AC indicates that less than 1 percent of airmen are at an increased risk of an adverse health condition. It is possible that each fitness measure assesses an independent risk factor, and the metrics should be considered together when evaluating the health and fitness of the force.