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Abstract

The number of children and adolescents who are overweight continues to increase rapidly in the United States, particularly among African American and Hispanic youth. The dramatic increase in the prevalence of childhood overweight and its resultant comorbidities are associated with significant long-term health problems and financial burdens. The purpose of this project was to establish the percentage of incarcerated adolescents who are overweight or at risk for being overweight. This study shows that a large percentage of youth entering a long-term juvenile facility are neither overweight nor at risk for being overweight based on national standards. Thus, weight control/management initiatives implemented at juvenile correctional facilities should be individualized to meet the needs of each youth.

Keywords

juvenile justice obesity adolescent health incarcerated youth

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Prevalence of Overweight Youth Among a Population of Incarcerated Juveniles

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