• Corps Retention Weight Standards

  Overview

  Policy currently in effect for all Active Duty and Ready Reserve officers.

  Historical Notes and Announcements:

  On July 10, 2017, the U.S Public Health Service Commissioned Corps announced Retention Weight Standards for all Commissioned Corps officers. This webpage provides implementation and maintenance guidance for these standards which went into effect beginning October 1, 2018.

  All officers were required to submit their "baseline" weight prior to October 1, 2018.

  Commissioned Corps Directive (CCD) 111.03, "Conditions of Service," requires the maintenance of weight standards for all officers. The Retention Weight Standards have been established and approved by the Assistant Secretary for Health in the updated Commissioned Corps Instruction (CCI), CCI 241.01, "Readiness and Duty Requirements." Guidelines are available in the Retention Weight Standards Personnel Operations Memorandum (POM 821.66).

  Key Points for Corps Officers:

  Any Corps officer who is outside of Retention Weight Standards compliance must review the Retention Weight Standards policy and follow guidelines for supplemental document submission as required.

  Annual Reporting: after January 1, 2025

  Officers must report height, weight, and Body Mass Index (BMI) information annually with the Periodic Health Update (PHU).

  • If BMI is between 18.5 - 29.9 kg/m2: the Corps considers the officer compliant.
  • If BMI is 18.4 kg/m2 or less: officers must contact Medical Affairs Branch (MAB) team within 30-days and provide a statement from their medical provider with supportive medical documentation demonstrating a history of low BMI and verifying that there are no medical or psychological causes for the low BMI.
  • If BMI is 30.0 kg/m2 or greater: officers must complete the measurement procedures outlined in CCI 241.01 to calculate estimated percent body fat (PBF).

    Any officer who exceeds the maximum allowable BMI, but has a PBF equal to or less than the threshold identified in the table of Threshold Percent Body Fat for Officers Exceeding Maximum BMI in (see CCI 241.01), the Corps considers the officer to be in compliance with the Retention Weight Standards.

  • Officers who are identified as "non-compliant" with Retention Weight Standards must follow instructions and submit required quarterly weight reports (form 7044-1) documenting progress towards reaching "compliance" status.

  Weight Loss Guidance: As with any weight loss plan, it is highly recommended officers contact their healthcare provider for guidance, support, and to ensure that selected weight loss method or plan is safe, effective, and will contribute to lifelong success. CCHQ is committed to helping each officer meet the Retention Weight Standards by encouraging healthy behavior modification, providing wellness resource recommendations and implementation of nutrition and fitness goals to achieve optimal results.

  If you have immediate concerns or questions regarding Retention Weight Standards, please review the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page and applicable Retention Weight Standards policies. If you still have question, please contact RDB at PHSReadiness@hhs.gov.

  Additional Resources for Officers

  • CCI 241.01, Readiness and Duty Requirements
  • POM 821.66, Retention Weight Standards
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  • Medical Waiver Program webpage
  • PHS-7044-1 (Verified Weight Report)

  Last Updated: 1/28/2025
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