Over 35,000 incarcerated individuals were followed for over for two years of incarceration. On average, BMI scores did not change over time. However, when stratified by BMI category, notable patterns emerged. Underweight individuals tended to gain weight, while those who were overweight/obese tended to lose weight. Other differences were notable among race, ethnicity, and educational attainment. These findings suggest the need of targeted public health efforts including age, cultural background, and educational attainment to support individuals at both ends of the BMI spectrum.

Educational Objectives

• Describe the typical patterns of BMI change during the first two years of incarceration
• Examine how BMI changes over time during incarceration across different BMI categories and demographic groups
• Identify health implications of this data for incarcerated individuals

Level:Basic