The Status of Body Mass Index and Physical Fitness in Staff of Relief and Rescue Organization in Guilan Province, Iran

Background & Objectives: Given the importance of physical fitness and body mass index (BMI) in the performance of the Relief and Rescue Organization members, this study aimed to examine the status of BMI and physical fitness among male and female members of this organization in Guilan province, Iran. Materials & Methods: This study was conducted on ۹۸ male (weight: ۸۲.۵۲±۶.۶۸ kg, height: ۱۷۴.۸۸±۴.۹ cm) and ۶۵ female (weight: ۶۰.۰۶±۸.۲۳ kg, height: ۱۵۸.۸±۳.۴۵ cm) members of Relief and Rescue Organization aged ۲۰-۳۵ years. The subjects were selected via step-wise random cluster sampling method. Height and weight of the subjects were measured by standard methods and their BMI was calculated. Physical fitness of the subjects was measured by sit-ups, modified pull-ups, sit-and-reach test, ۱۵۰۰-meter run, and ۴×۹ meter shuttle run test. Results: The results showed that ۱۴.۱۱% of the participants were underweight (BMI<۲۰), ۲۰.۸۵% were normal weight (۲۰۳۰). Overweight and obesity in males was more frequent than in females, and the total physical fitness score in males was higher than that of females. Also, our results demonstrated a negative correlation between physical fitness and weight, BMI, and body fat in both genders. Conclusion: With regard to physical fitness level and BMI status, especially in female members of the Relief and Rescue Organization in Guilan province, practical strategies and programs should be implemented for enhancing their fitness status.