Steps for preparing the Female Body Fat Content Worksheet, DA Form 5501, Aug 2006
The information below is from AR 600-9, the Army Weight Control Program, dated September 2006.

Posted Wednesday, September 20, 2006

The information below is from AR 600-9, the Army Weight Control Program, dated September 2006. To properly complete the Female Body Fat Content Worksheet, DA Form 5501, Aug 2006, you will need a copy of the Army Regulation to reference the required information and you will also need the DA Form 5501 which can be found at USAPA.

NAME: Print the Soldier's last name, first name, and middle initial in the NAME block.
Also include the Social Security number and rank.

HEIGHT: Measure the Soldier's height as described in APPENDIX B of AR 600-9 (Sept 2006) to the nearest 1/2 inch and record the measurement in the HEIGHT block.

WEIGHT: Measure the Soldier's weight as described in APPENDIX B of AR 600-9 (Sept 2006) to the nearest pound and record in the WEIGHT block.
NOTE: Follow the rules for rounding of height and weight measurement as described in APPENDIX B of AR 600-9 (Sept 2006).

AGE: Print age in years in the AGE block.

STEP 1: Neck Measurement. Measure the Soldier's neck circumference at a point just below the larynx (Adam's apple) and perpendicular to the long axis of the neck. The Soldier should look straight ahead during the measurement, with shoulders down (not hunched). Round the neck measurement up to the nearest 1/2 inch and record in the block labeled FIRST.

STEP 2: Waist (abdomen) Measurement. Measure the Soldier's natural waist circumference, against the skin at the point of minimal abdominal circumference, usually located halfway between the navel and the lower end of the sternum (breast bone). When you cannot easily see the site, take several measurements at probable sites and use the smallest value. Be sure the tape is level and parallel to the floor. The Soldier's arms must be at the sides. Take measurements at the end of Soldier's normal relaxed exhalation. Round the natural waist measurement down to the nearest 1/2 inch and record in the block labeled FIRST.

STEP 3: Hip Measurement. Measure the Soldier's hip circumference while facing the Soldier's right side by placing the tape around the hips so that it passes over the greatest protrusion of the gluteal muscles (buttocks) as viewed from the side. Make sure the tape is level and parallel to the floor. apply sufficient tension on the tape to minimize the effect of clothing. Round hip measurement down to the nearest 1/2 inch and record in the block labeled FIRST.
NOTE: REPEAT STEPS 1,2 and 3 in series until you have completed three sets of neck, wait (abdominal) and hip circumference measurements. Find the mathematical average of the FIRST, SECOND and THIRD circumferences in Steps 1, 2 and 3 by adding them together and dividing by three for each step. Place this number to the nearest 1/2 inch in the block marked AVERAGE for each step.

STEP 4: Calculations.
Line A. Waist (abdomen) Circumference. Enter the value from STEP 2 in line 4A.

Line B. Hip Circumference. enter the value from STEP 3 in line 4B.

Line C. Total (4A + B = 4C). Add waist circumference (Line 4A) and hip circumference (Line 4B). Enter the result in line 4C.

Line D. Neck circumference. Enter the value from STEP 1 in line 4D.

Line E. Circumference value. (4C - 4D = 4E). subtract value in Line C from value in Line D. Enter the result in Line 4E.

Line F. Height Factor. Find the height in table 3-1 of AR 600-9 (Sept 2006). Enter the height in inches in Line F.
Note: Follow the rules for rounding of the height and weight measurements as described in Appendix B of AR 600-9 (Sept 2006).

Line G. Percent Body Fat. Determine the percent body fat by finding the Soldier's circumference value (value listed in line 4E) and height in inches (Line 4F) located in Figure B-6 of AR 600-9 (Sept 2006). The percent body fat is the value that intercepts with the circumference value and height in inches as listed in Figure B-6 of AR 600-9 (Sept 2006). This is the Soldier's PERCENT BODY FAT.
NOTE: Go to figure B-6 AR 600-9 (Sept 2006) to locate the circumference value in the left-hand column.