Media: US Air Force will accept recruits who are fat

The US Air Force has raised its body fat limits for new enlistees, making potentially millions of obese young people eligible to enlist. Male recruits will be allowed to carry up to 26% body fat, while females will have a limit of 36% body fat. The previous limits were 20% for males and 28% for females. The American Council on Exercise classifies men with body fat percentages of 25 and higher as obese, while the obese category begins at 32% for women. The Air Force estimates that it will be able to recruit an additional 50 to 100 new enlistees each month under its revised body fat limits.

Of the 34 million Americans in Generation Z, nearly 71% are ineligible for military service, most commonly due to obesity. Other common disqualifying factors include medical conditions, criminal records, drug use and failure to earn a high school diploma.