Prevalence of overweight and obesity in an Italian Prison and relation with average term of detention: a pilot study

Introduction. Obesity and overweight are universally recognized as risk factors for cardiovascular disease, stroke and other chronic diseases. The few studies of overweight and obesity in inmate populations suggest that the prevalence of obesity in an institution is associated with the prevalence of the region. The goal of the study is to describe the prevalence of overweight and obesity in a sample of prisoners. Methods. In a sample of prisoners of Busto Arsizio prison, weight and height were measured with standard method., Once collected information about nationality, age and duration of detention, we proceeded to calculate BMI and the prevalence of overweight and obesity. Results. The subjects enrolled were 142, all males, aged 19-66 years, with a holding period of between 30 days and two years. From the survey, the total of obese or overweight subjects was 66.9%. In the comparison between Italian and Foreign prisoners, the latter showed the highest weight gain. The analysis of the correlation between increased BMI and length of detention has not shown a statistical association during detention, but it could depend on the number of inmates enrolled. Conclusions. The prevalence of obesity and overweight among inmates (66.9%) was higher than the Italian general population (54.8%, adult males, ISTAT, 2015). The decreasing physical activity typical of the detention, the psycho-physical discomfort (incarceration trauma) and the prison meals could have had a significant importance in increasing weight. Desirable therefore more investigations (calculation of caloric needs, ethnic and religious diets, eating disorders) in order to establish appropriate preventive interventions.