Eating More and Enjoying It Less

Abstract

A study of weight gain and dietary adequacy among female prisoners was conducted by studying inmate weight changes, nutritional values of prison diets and consumption patterns in a jail cafeteria. Inmates incurred significant weight gains (mean = 14 lb); their diets wre inadequate nutritively and were consumed in such a way as to exacerbate the inadequacies. Some of these problems could be ameliorated by changing ingredients, preparation and the role of food in the prisoner''s life, although for certain categories of prisoners with specific health conditions (e.g., pregnancy), adequate diets will require major adjustments in jail and prison food management.