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Abstract

This study measured changes in body mass index (BMI) of male youths upon admission and 3 months after admission to a long-term juvenile correctional facility and identified potential causes of obesity in this population. Health records for 159 youths admitted during an 18-month period were used to calculate the BMI for each. The annual dietary assessment, standard meal plans, and physical activity requirements also were reviewed. Upon admission, 12% of the youths were obese (BMI greater than 95th percentile for age and sex) and 26% were overweight (BMI between 85th and 95th percentiles). After 3 months, 66% were obese or overweight. Among the 23% of youths taking psychotropic medications, the percentage classified as obese or overweight rose from 59% to 78%. Factors contributing to overweight and obesity during incarceration include insufficient physical activity for the probable increased food intake and use of psychotropics. Another factor may be the Food and Drug Administration-approved school lunch program diet. More research is needed to learn whether these problems exist in other juvenile facilities.

Keywords

juvenile corrections obesity body mass index BMI

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Is Obesity a Problem in a Juvenile Correctional Facility?

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