The Assam Police force is demonstrating remarkable progress in its fitness journey, with recent annual body mass index (BMI) tests revealing that only a small fraction of its personnel fall into the obese category. The data shows a consistent improvement in the physical conditioning of the force, marking a positive trend in health awareness among the khaki-clad personnel.
Steady Decline in Obesity Numbers
According to the latest BMI test results, only 2.06% of the total 73,317 personnel screened were classified as obese. This translates to approximately 1,500 individuals within the 73,000-strong force. The police department proudly shared these findings on social media platform 'X', highlighting the continuous decline from previous years.
The official post celebrated this achievement with the message: "Fitter khaki, stronger force! In this year's BMI drive, only 2.06% of the 73,317 personnel screened were classified as obese — a steady decline from earlier phases. The force is getting leaner, quicker, and mission-ready. Assam Police keeps raising the scale."
BMI Initiative: A Three-Year Journey
This year marks the third consecutive year of the BMI testing initiative, which was first launched in 2023 with the clear objective of building a healthier and more efficient police force. The statewide testing for this year commenced on August 16 at the 10th Assam Police Battalion headquarters in Kahilipara and continued in phases across various districts until early September.
The testing follows World Health Organization standards, where a BMI reading above 25 indicates overweight status, while a measurement above 30 signals obesity. The comprehensive testing program covered personnel across all ranks and designations within the force.
Leadership Emphasis on Health Awareness
Director General of Police Harmeet Singh personally oversaw the launch of this year's testing drive, emphasizing the critical importance of health consciousness among police personnel. He explained that the unique demands of policing make such health initiatives particularly valuable.
"BMI checks make personnel more conscious about their well-being," Singh stated. "Policing is stressful — irregular meals and lack of sleep take a toll. These tests help officials understand what's good for their health."
The police chief further elaborated on the broader benefits of maintaining good physical condition, noting that a healthy officer ensures a secure family by reducing hospital visits and medical expenses. He emphasized that promoting health awareness not only minimizes health risks but also ensures that police personnel present a smart and confident appearance in uniform, thereby enhancing public perception and self-esteem.
The consistent improvement in BMI results over three years indicates that the message of health and fitness is resonating well with the police force, creating a positive impact that extends beyond professional duties into personal lives and family well-being.
