Firefighters 'more likely' to be overweight than general public

[Northerner]

A study by researchers at Loughborough University found half of the UK's firefighters are classed as overweight and 13 per cent are clinically obese.
Not only are obesity rates rising in the fire service, the researchers found, but they are already higher than among the general population.
Fire Service regulations call for employees to have high levels of physical fitness to cope with potentially dangerous situations.
These state firefighters need to be fit enough to climb stairs in high-rise buildings, carry unconscious victims, pitch heavy ladders and haul bulky equipment in a rush.
The Loughborough researchers undertook the study after it emerged that obesity rates among firefighters in the US were soaring, with a shocking 80 per cent of staff currently classed as overweight or obese.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/h...ely-to-be-overweight-than-general-public.html

 

[Vicsetter]

I wonder why ?, a lot of stations have lost their 'canteens' and have to do the meals themselves, mostly of course fry ups, or sandwiches. And then when they get a shout, it's drop what you are eating and off you go, and return to cold greasy food. And then during a watch they sit around, reading, playing games or even snooker, so not much physical exercise.

 

[Pigeon]

Or is it because they're all muscle? After all, a lot of rudby players have an "obese" BMI but it's not down to fat...

Off to dream about muscley firemen now....