If you are considering a career in the United States Armed Forces, you will need to meet a number of requirements before you can join. These range from physical, academic, background and personal history verification. While some of these cannot be changed, for example if you have a felony, this will stay with you. However, other issues can be modified, and the most important one that many ask is the weight.

Each branch within the US military requires that you meet certain height and weight requirements. I will not provide specific numbers as they differ for each branch. However, if you are overweight or very underweight, this can be a disqualifying factor.

It does not have to be like that. If you are underweight, just eat! That may sound easier than it is, but most people find it harder to lose weight than it is to gain weight. Start eating regular healthy meals more often and maybe do some weight training to build muscle mass.

Being overweight on the other hand is a much more common problem. Many potential recruits let this get in the way of their enlistment dreams. It does not have to be like that.

Your branch of choice will have a list of physical fitness requirements. And so while you’re training for those requirements, you’ll already be getting into a fitness regimen. If you have medical problems related to your weight, definitely talk to a doctor to make sure you can participate in physical activity.

However, if you are an average American who lives a sedentary lifestyle and enjoys eating fatty foods, you should be able to easily take matters into your own hands. Start by eliminating fatty food and junk food. Replace them with healthy lean meat and fresh produce.

Try to exercise 3-4 times a week, starting with easy exercises like walking and lifting light weights, then slowly work your way up to faster running, maybe even swimming, biking, whatever you find most enjoyable.

And last but not least, don’t stop talking to a recruiter just because of your weight. If your recruiter sees that you are an ideal candidate other than weight, he will work with you. They can start with the paperwork and background checks to at least get things up and running.

They will also put you on a fitness routine and maybe even train with you a few times a week to help you exercise properly to get into military shape.