Fighting fires is one of the most physically demanding jobs in the world, but many firefighters are losing the battle of the bulge.

(Justin Sullivan, Getty Images)
(Justin Sullivan, Getty Images)
loading...

A recent study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found more than 70 percent of firefighters are either overweight or obese. In addition, cardiovascular events account for almost half of all on duty firefighter deaths.

"It's important for a firefighter to be in good shape because of the amount of stress that is put on his body when he actually has to perform structural firefighting or any type of rescue. But if your body is capable of performing (at) the body weight that you are - then you're cleared to perform firefighting duties," said Dominick Marino, president of the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey.

Marino admitted that carrying extra weight can increase cardiovascular danger, especially in older firefighters, but said a 25-year-old in great shape can also experience a heart attack in the heat of a fire.

Yearly physicals are required by most New Jersey fire departments.  Despite the extra pounds, some overweight or obese people perform just fine. "Some people are able to perform with the weight that they have on. There are some big people who are able to perform better than other people," Marino said.

According to the study, nearly 70 percent of firefighters reported receiving no weight advice in the past year, and fewer than half of the obese firefighters reported being advised to lose weight. Only 12 percent of firefighters considered overweight received advice from a physician to lose weight.

 

 

 

 

More From New Jersey 101.5 FM