A 2015 Bureau of Justice Statistics special report, Medical Problems of State and Federal Prisoners and Jail Inmates, highlighted an interesting statistical difference between incarcerated males and females. The report stated: While female prisoners and jail inmates were less likely than males to be overweight, they were more likely to be obese or morbidly obese.” The numbers showed female prisoners (35%) were less likely than males (47%) to be overweight. However, female (43%) prisoners were more likely than males (27%) to be either obese or morbidly obese.
Two studies on obesity in corrections provide additional data.
The Impact of Incarceration on Obesity: Are Prisoners with Chronic Diseases Becoming Overweight and Obese during Their Confinement? 2015:
Obesity Behind Bars: Study Reveals Intriguing Information about Diet, Exercise Among Prisoners, 2012:
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This blog is funded by a contract from the National Institute of Corrections, U.S. Department of Justice. Points of view or opinions stated in this document are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.