Marine Corps Body Composition Program: Marine Corps Body Weight and Body Fat Standards

All Marines are required to maintain their weight/body fat in accordance with Marine Corps standards. Marines who weigh more than allowed on the charts linked below must undergo a body-fat measurement. Those who are over the Marine Corps body-fat standards are enrolled in the Marine Corps Body Composition Program – formerlly known as the “Weight Control Program.”

It is every Marine’s responsibility to maintain the Marine Corps’ body composition standards, or if not in adherence with standards, to take appropriate action to return to them in a timely manner. Marines on light or limited duty, whose medical condition precludes them from participating in specific activities, will be expected to participate in conditioning alternatives and dietary adjustments, in order to maintain these standards.

The Marine Corps’ weight and body fat standards are health and performance based, and not based on appearance. Marines are considered not within these standards when their body weight and body fat exceed the maximum limits. Each Marine is weighed, at least semi-annually (annually for Reserves). The Marine is weighed, and the weight compared to the below chart. Only if the Marine exceeds the allowable weight on the chart, they are measured for body-fat. If they exceed the body-fat allowance, then the Marine is enrolled in the Body Composition Program – formerlly known as the “Weight Control Program.” If the Marine is over the weight on the chart, but meets the body-fat standard, they are considered to be within the required standards, and no further action is taken.

The Marine Corps changed their body-fat standards, effective August 11, 2008: The new standards are:

MALE Marine Body-Fat Standards
AGE 17-26: 18%
AGE 27-39: 19%
AGE 40-45: 20%
AGE 46+ :21%

Female Marine Body-Fat Standards
AGE 17-26: 26%
AGE 27-39: 27%
AGE 40-45: 28%
AGE 46+: 29%

If the Marine fails to lose the required weight/body fat while enrolled in the Body Composition Program, they can ultimately be discharged from the United States Marine Corps.

Note: No action is required for Marines who are below the Minimum Standards. Commanders may refer such Marines for a medical evaluation to determine if they are in good health. 

Marine Corps Weight Chart for Male Marines

Height	Maximum Weight	Minimum Weight
58	132	91
59	136	94
60	141	97
61	146	100
62	150	104
63	155	107
64	160	110
65	165	114
66	170	117
67	176	121
68	181	125
69	186	128
70	192	132
71	197	136
72	203	140
73	208	144
74	214	148
75	220	152
76	226	156
77	232	160
78	238	164
79	244	168
80	250	173

 Marine Corps Weight Chart for Female Marines

Height	Maximum Weight	Minimum Weight
58	120	91
59	124	94
60	128	97
61	132	100
62	137	104
63	141	107
64	146	110
65	150	114
66	155	117
67	160	121
68	164	125
69	169	128
70	174	132
71	179	136
72	184	140
73	189	144
74	195	148
75	200	152
76	205	156
77	211	160
78	216	164
79	222	168
80	228	173

 

 This should answer the questions:

What is the max weight for a Marine X inches tall?
What is the body fat standard for a Marine X years old?
Is the Marine body fat standard based on health or appearance?
Who’s responsibility is it to maintain the Marine Corps’ body composition standards?