Underweight at MEPS ?

2020-06-06T15:17:50-04:00

So I am 5'5 and the army's minium weight requirement for a person of my stature is 114 IBS. The problem is I hover around 110/111 IBS. Would I get sent back home, would I need a waiver, or would I just be fine ?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2020 3:21 PM

2020-06-06T15:21:28-04:00

If you are borderline, you are usually good.

Response by SSG Laurie Mullen made Jun 6 at 2020 3:22 PM

2020-06-06T15:22:05-04:00

Are you trying to join the military with IBS??
Edit: Just read up on joining with IBS. If that's what you are attempting to do, good luck and I wish you much success. I learned something new today.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Jun 6 at 2020 3:48 PM

2020-06-06T15:48:56-04:00

Eat a diet high in sodium the day before which will drive you to drink lots of water. I did a bunch of V8 before a rotation at a burn center to increase both needed water and sodium. Chili's has some good food high in sodium (Na+).

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2020 4:18 PM

2020-06-06T16:18:21-04:00

Brad Bryant jr I like the suggestion from 1SG Mark Flowers. Keep us posted on your status. Good luck.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2020 4:44 PM

2020-06-06T16:44:54-04:00

I was underweight also and can confirm 1SG comments. I also highly encourage protein shakes up until you go to MEPS. The protein will help you gain weight but the liquid will keep you hydrated. Also eat until you are uncomfortably full. Don’t be afraid of breads and high calorie foods until you go to MEPS.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2020 5:24 PM

2020-06-06T17:24:57-04:00

Double portions for you!

Response by SGT Patrick Reno made Jun 6 at 2020 7:14 PM

2020-06-06T19:14:13-04:00

I don't know how things have changed but I was under weight at basic. 6'2" 145lbs . Drill Sgt. pared me up with an over weight guy. I got half his food and all of his deserts at every meal. I didn't seem to gain any weight, but he lost weight.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2020 9:34 PM

2020-06-06T21:34:03-04:00

There is a minimum and maximum weight by regulation for a reason. Make sure you are the within that range and you will have no issues joining the Army

Response by SSG Brian G. made Jun 6 at 2020 9:36 PM

2020-06-06T21:36:11-04:00

Seriously old trick. If you can locate a couple packs of MRE's. Grab the crackers and peanut butter and eat those then just eat a few good meals before you go to MEPS.

This will allow that you can make the weight. They generally don't bother to check your weight after you arrive at BCT. You are going to be put through it and will likely both lose and gain weight at BCT. Generally if you are borderline you are fine.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2020 12:41 AM

2020-06-07T00:41:34-04:00

You could also take an anti-dieuretic (anti-piss pill) to help retain fluids. If you want to do it the right way, get yourself a buddy that is a semi pro body builder and work out with him. I gained 20 lbs in a about a year by doing that.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jun 7 at 2020 5:30 AM

2020-06-07T05:30:38-04:00

If your body weight does not present with issues associated with your health it is likely you would be fine. You may be asked to add to your diet.

Response by SSG Shauna Holmes made Jun 7 at 2020 11:22 AM

2020-06-07T11:22:36-04:00

You'll get a waiver. I came in at 93 pounds at 5'5". By the time I made it to my first duty station, I was 114

Response by PV2 Adar Fulton made Jun 8 at 2020 1:18 AM

2020-06-08T01:18:02-04:00

They’ll either send you home(if you’re at meps) and let you come back in like a month-happened to me. I think If you’re not that far off you can get a waiver though. Try ON Serious Mass gainer for fast weight or apetamine syrup.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Jun 9 at 2020 1:13 PM

2020-06-09T13:13:04-04:00

IF you are under weight, you will need a waiver to enlist IF you are not able to put on the required weight. The minimum weight is not a random number but has proven to be a sign of other issues and the bodies ability to withstand the rigors of military service.

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2020 2:25 PM

2020-06-09T14:25:17-04:00

I given my picat test may 12 and I got 86 .I need to do now picat verification but my recruiter is telling always meps are closing now due to protest but I called to meps today and they told me meps never closed . Idk why my recruiter is telling now and my picat is going to be expire in 3 days .
Can anyone suggest me what I have to do ?

Thanks

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2020 3:17 PM

2020-06-09T15:17:10-04:00

I am 5'5" and the first time I went to MEPS I was barely 100lbs. They checked my BMI and told me if I lost so much as an ounce I would not be allowed to ship. The 2 months between when I went back I drank a meal replacement shake with every meal to double up on everything and did everything I could to try and gain weight. I gained 2 ounces during that time. My BMI went up one point. I had a waiver for my weight. As long as your BMI is within the range that they want you will be okay. GOOD LUCK

Response by PVT Keith Gentry made Jun 11 at 2020 9:11 AM

2020-06-11T09:11:17-04:00

do some pushups,

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2020 6:45 AM

2020-06-29T06:45:36-04:00

When I first got in and 2008, I was 112lvssoaking wet (160lbs now), they gave me 2 physicals and a waiver and by the time basic was over I was 130lbs as long as your physical comes back and your recruiter can score you a waiver you should be fine.

Response by 1SG Brian Adams made Jul 25 at 2020 9:51 AM

2020-07-25T09:51:37-04:00

The MEPS can ask to grant an exception to DEP you into an impending contract with a later ship date if you are within 2 lbs I believe? However, before you ship out, you will need to be at or above this exception granted. Not sure if this is still an exception or not. The theory behind this is, over weight candidates can be taped and make a certain Body Fat %. Where an under weight candidate is not afforded a tape...thus a exception within a few pounds....
Ask your recruiter about this exception....hoooah!!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2020 10:35 AM

2020-07-25T10:35:46-04:00

The actual answer here is that MEPS will go off of your BMI if you’re underweight and you have to be within a certain number on the BMI scale. I just had a Future Soldier ship to BCT last month who was 5 lbs underweight

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2020 8:18 PM

2020-10-15T20:18:12-04:00

Carbs, carbs, carbs! Get mass gaining meal shakes by Animal. They taste great and you can also add in strength training. Avoid heavy cardio and just keep up by doing weights. You will benefit from muscle growth over fat anyday.

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made Feb 4 at 2021 6:11 PM

2021-02-04T18:11:20-05:00

Are you "almost pregnant"? Same issue, there is no such thing as "almost pregnant". Same here--you are not "almost overweight"; you are either overweight or not. Is there "butterflies" in the tummy? You decided not to join or unsure? I believe all of us go through that. Good luck.