NCJ Number
240944
Journal
Journal of Correctional Health Care Volume: 18 Issue: 4 Dated: October 2012 Pages: 285-292
Date Published
October 2012
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This study describes the weight and weight changes among women incarcerated in a unified correctional system (prison and jail).
Abstract
Excessive weight gain among inmates is frequently observed by correctional health care providers; however, there is little published research on weight change during incarceration. This study describes the weight and weight changes among women incarcerated in a unified correctional system (prison and jail). The women were interviewed and had their height and weight measured. At baseline, 33.0 percent were of normal weight, 34.9 percent were overweight, and 32.1 percent were obese. Participants were reweighed after a median of 14 days; the women had gained an average of 1.1 lbs/week (SD: 2.1 lbs, range: -3.3 to +9.2 lbs) with 71 percent of women gaining weight. Women incarcerated for 2 weeks or less at time of study enrollment experienced higher average weight weekly gains than those incarcerated longer than 2 weeks (1.7 lbs vs. 0.8 lbs). Abstract published by arrangement with Sage Journals.