Bmi???

[tbert33]

Hello,

This is my first post since joining the forum so hello to everyone.

After thinking/researching long and hard i have decided that being a train driver is definatley up my street so i've started studying in preperation for any future trainee train driver roles that are advertised.

My one concern is the BMI issue. My BMI is around 37 and i will admit that i do have a belly on me but at the same time i would say i'm fairly active (i walk 5 miles per day) and my weight doesnt hinder my mobility.

Does BMI really matter and will i fail at a medical (if i ever get that far)? Also what is the need to focus on BMI - surely as long as i'm active - good heart rate - plenty of room between myself and the door frame - wont this be good enough or because i'm on the heavier side will i not get far?

Any responses will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your time

Tom

 

[myboysam]

All the research I did for the medical suggested a bmi of no more than 28 and I had heard of people failing due to this. However mine was at 33 (I too am very active and can run 8 miles no problem) in July when I went for mine. I spoke to the BUPA doctor and his response was as long as I could carry out the necessary emergency actions and manage my role without issue then all is fine. I went through the medical and received a glowing report despite being a little heavy.

What I would concern myself with now though is getting through the application process and testing, then interview and dont even give the medical a second thought.

I have heard (though not sure how reliable this is) that 75% dont get through the sift, then half of those that remain fail on group bourdon test and half again fail the reaction test then it comes down to numbers required by the TOC as to how many make it through interview. Then and only then will the medical matter, so if you look after yourself and lose weight a little each month you would have plenty of time to be ready for a medical.

But be warned you have to jump through so many hoops and meet all of their criteria first. The vast majority dont make it at all so its the minority that do and even fewer make it first time.

If that is the way life takes you then good luck to you.

 

[tbert33]

Thanks myboysam - I appreciate your reply.

I know that i can loose the weight no problem - if i get that far - and i agree that i should focus all of my attention on getting my application right and studying for the assessments (if i got that far).

Thanks again

Tom

 

[TDK]

All the research I did for the medical suggested a bmi of no more than 28 and I had heard of people failing due to this. However mine was at 33

The TOC I used to work for the maximum BMI was 33
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Hello,

My one concern is the BMI issue. My BMI is around 37 and i will admit that i do have a belly on me but at the same time i would say i'm fairly active (i walk 5 miles per day) and my weight doesnt hinder my mobility.

Does BMI really matter and will i fail at a medical (if i ever get that far)? Also what is the need to focus on BMI - surely as long as i'm active - good heart rate - plenty of room between myself and the door frame - wont this be good enough or because i'm on the heavier side will i not get far?

Any responses will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your time

Tom

You will not even pass the sifting process if your BMI is over 33 generally, the applications for the TOC I used to work for had a section for height and weight, if the BMI was over 33 the candidate was instantly refused, it is all down to ergonomics in the cab environment

 

[tbert33]

The TOC I used to work for the maximum BMI was 33
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


You will not even pass the sifting process if your BMI is over 33 generally, the applications for the TOC I used to work for had a section for height and weight, if the BMI was over 33 the candidate was instantly refused, it is all down to ergonomics in the cab environment

I have made one application to FTPE and there was no section on the form asking about height and weight. IF sucessful and by the time of any medical i can be down to BMI of 33. I think i will ge cracked on and not only revise hard but get this weight shifted. Also would anyone happen to know if there is a BMI limit for a conductor (as i'm thinking of applying to a conductor role to get my foot in the door?

 

[cookiescrumble]

When I first applied for a commercial guard with SWT a few years back, on the application form it asked for my height and weight. It said that your BMI should be 28 but no more than 33. Even though mine came out at 38 they still put me through the process.

I think it may be down to the TOC.

 

[TDK]

I have made one application to FTPE and there was no section on the form asking about height and weight. IF sucessful and by the time of any medical i can be down to BMI of 33. I think i will ge cracked on and not only revise hard but get this weight shifted. Also would anyone happen to know if there is a BMI limit for a conductor (as i'm thinking of applying to a conductor role to get my foot in the door?

I think conductors have the same guidelines, it depends on the TOC, good luck with the weightloss by the way, I took a driver on whose BMI was 38 and he went to 31 in 3 months & he got the job

 

[tbert33]

Thanks for the replies cookiescrumble and TDK. I appreciate it

 

[greaz]

Thanks for the replies cookiescrumble and TDK. I appreciate it

Well my bmi was 30 but I passed because nurse said it is due to my muscle mass, but I'm for Gateline so I'm not sure about driver, eitherway just go for it and good luck!

 

[Liam86]

Well my bmi was 30 but I passed because nurse said it is due to my muscle mass, but I'm for Gateline so I'm not sure about driver, eitherway just go for it and good luck!

Mine was similar, BMI can be very misleading if you have muscle mass.

 

[richw]

Any reputable company would not take notice of BMI in the modern day. It is an outdated height weight percentage calculation. It assumes your body mass is 100% fat. Muscle weighs considerably more than fat.
99.5% of top level sports persons are critically obese on the BMI scale. When will companies realise this.

 

[greaz]

Any reputable company would not take notice of BMI in the modern day. It is an outdated height weight percentage calculation. It assumes your body mass is 100% fat. Muscle weighs considerably more than fat.
99.5% of top level sports persons are critically obese on the BMI scale. When will companies realise this.

What a good post.

 

[Shaky]

What a good post.

Got to agree with greaz on this one. I have friends who are into mild body building I suppose you could call it and are as fit as a lop but their bmi's would be off the scale.

It really is an archaic method of measuring general health.

 

[LCC106]

I think the key elements as TDK and myboysam say are ergonomics and the ability to react in an emergency. However, I WOULDN'T wait to lose weight, if the role is so important to you I would recommend you taking steps to lose weight now. Incidentally, no height / weight sections on Northern Rail application form either. My BMI was over the recommended 25 for my height. I have a bit of a belly, the diet starts tomorrow!

 

[tbert33]

Thanks for all of the responses guys. The diet has started. I've got a goal and i'm going to use that to push myself.

 

[LCC106]

Well done! I'm 3lb + heavier than when I originally filled in my uniform request form so frantically trying to get back on the Slimming World trail today!

 

[tbert33]

Well done! I'm 3lb + heavier than when I originally filled in my uniform request form so frantically trying to get back on the Slimming World trail today!

Funny. I've managed to loose 28 pound in one month before so I'm sure I can do it again... This looks to be the hardest thing about wanting to be a train driver so far!

 

[TDK]

I think the key elements as TDK and myboysam say are ergonomics and the ability to react in an emergency. However, I WOULDN'T wait to lose weight, if the role is so important to you I would recommend you taking steps to lose weight now. Incidentally, no height / weight sections on Northern Rail application form either. My BMI was over the recommended 25 for my height. I have a bit of a belly, the diet starts tomorrow!

There are or were height restrictions it was max 6'6" & Min 5'2" however one driver I know is 5'0" and a risk assessment was carried out on whether he could manage the controls, DSD pedel and egress the cab safely and the units that he drives were fine for his height so he got the job.

 

[Yew]

I think the key elements as TDK and myboysam say are ergonomics and the ability to react in an emergency. However, I WOULDN'T wait to lose weight, if the role is so important to you I would recommend you taking steps to lose weight now. Incidentally, no height / weight sections on Northern Rail application form either. My BMI was over the recommended 25 for my height. I have a bit of a belly, the diet starts tomorrow!

There are or were height restrictions it was max 6'6" & Min 5'2" however one driver I know is 5'0" and a risk assessment was carried out on whether he could manage the controls, DSD pedel and egress the cab safely and the units that he drives were fine for his height so he got the job.

Surely it's an advantage for the small cab in a 153

 

[Nym]

I've had to buy a new suit, gone up to a 34" waist from 30" waist five years ago At least I look healthy now, but Dr's say I'm overweight at 26 Kg/m^2 care sod all about all the muscle mass in me legs...