Baguio city: The Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) on Friday announced its initiatives to assist 137 personnel identified as overweight or obese in accordance with the health and fitness regulations set by Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III. BCPO Information Officer Maj. Marcy Grace Marron emphasized the focus on supporting these officers to achieve fitness standards without hiring external trainers.

According to Philippines News Agency, the BCPO will utilize the expertise of the PNP Medical Unit to design individualized wellness and nutrition programs. The programs will be developed by a nutritionist and will focus on promoting proper nutrition and healthy lifestyle habits among the affected personnel, comprising 112 males and 28 females. These officers will have their body mass index (BMI) monitored monthly to track their progress.

To aid in their fitness journey, the officers will join in the PNP's twice-weekly 'Pulisteniks' physical fitness sessions. Furthermore, the 'Balik Alindog' program encourages personnel to regain physical fitness, enhancing their health and job performance. Overweight and obese officers will engage in additional, personalized physical activities, with their progress under strict supervision.

The BCPO offers an in-house gym, accessible daily, providing personnel with the convenience to exercise. Marron noted that most of the 137 officers flagged are in lower ranks, such as patrolmen and corporals, categorized as overweight or obese based on BMI metrics considering age, height, and weight. Those with underlying health issues will undergo medical evaluations and receive doctor-prescribed fitness plans.

The BCPO also implements quarterly Enhanced Monitoring of Police Overall Wellness, which includes comprehensive check-ups, laboratory tests, and medication provision if necessary. Marron highlighted the significance of maintaining a healthy BMI, as it can influence an officer's eligibility for promotion or assignment. Officers who do not achieve the required BMI after a year will enter an extended health program, and persistent non-compliance may result in reassignment to the PNP Holding Unit until acceptable fitness levels are met. All officers must also pass a physical fitness test, which includes an endurance component.