Life at sea involves long contracts, watch systems, disrupted sleep, limited dietary flexibility and reduced access to ongoing medical follow-up. Over time, these realities can contribute to gradual weight gain. What is less widely appreciated is how strongly Body Mass Index (BMI) is linked to other medical conditions that affect long-term health and fitness to sail.

BMI is not simply a number recorded during a medical examination. It is closely associated with cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, abnormal cholesterol levels and sleep disorders. In remote maritime environments, where immediate hospital care may not be available, prevention becomes especially important.

Use below poster for crew awareness onboard: