International Missions Board
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Volunteers serve in a variety of self-funded projects.Short-term missionaries serve overseas for 2-3 years.Long-term missionaries demonstrate a long-term call to missions and initially serve in a 3 year apprentice term.
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Home > Short-Term > Application > Medical Issues >

Excessive weight is a health issue

Health is an important component of a successful missionary experience. It is our desire to honor God in this area. We want you to take a moment to assess your current health and in particular, your weight.

Excessive weight is a leading contributor to many significant health issues. You may feel that you are completely healthy, but the fact is that proper medical care is severely lacking in many places in the world.

What is the Body Mass Index (BMI)?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is one of the most accurate ways to determine when extra pounds translate into health risks. BMI is a measure which takes into account a person’s weight and height to gauge total body fat in adults. Someone with a BMI of 26 to 27 is about 20 percent overweight, which is generally believed to carry moderate health risks. A BMI of 30 and higher is considered obese. The higher the BMI, the greater the risk of developing additional health problems. Read more

What does this all mean?

Heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure are all linked to being overweight. A BMI of 30 and over increases the risk of death from any cause by 50 to 150 percent, according to some estimates. According to health experts, people who are overweight but have no other health risk factors (such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure) should eat healthier and exercise to keep from gaining additional weight. For people who are overweight and also have health risks, they recommend trying to actively lose weight. Be sure to consult your doctor or other health professional before beginning any exercise or weight-loss program. Read more

Regarding weight and clearance

If you are over the weight limit you will need to provide Travel Health America with your current height, weight, and Blood Pressure measurement documented by a licensed health-care provider.

Travel Health America must receive this information, along with your Health Questionnaire, in order to determine medical clearance and thus allow you to move on through the application process. Your application may be placed on hold pending the receipt of the verification of the requested information.

Should you be invited to proceed, measurements may be verified at the screening conference and again at orientation.

How do I know if I have a medical concern?

Use this online calculator to calculate your BMI.

 

Get started in the application process - Research assignments online

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