NCJ Number
93201
Date Published
1984
Length
6 pages
Annotation
After assessing the eating and exercise patterns of selected overweight inmates at the Sacramento County Main Jail (Calif.), four inmates were solicited to participate in a dietary and exercise program designed to help them lose weight. The goal of the program was achieved.
Abstract
In January 1983, a survey was conducted of 12 selected overweight inmates. The inmates were asked to rate and rank order a selection of 42 indoor and outdoor activities regarding their participation preferences. The findings were compared to a 1982 survey of 362 inmates, who were asked to rate the same 42 activities. The overweight inmates tended to prefer the more passive activities, in contrast to the nonoverweight group, which tended to prefer active games and exercise programs. After analyzing the survey, the recreation staff consulted with the nursing/medical staff, psychiatric staff, and food service manager to develop a specialized diet and recreation program for overweight inmates. Four inmates agreed to participate in the weight reduction program. At the beginning of the 4-week program, the participants were weighed. Each inmate was required to eat only breakfast and dinner meals during the first 5 days of the program. After the 5th day and until the end of the 4 weeks, participants drank only 2 pints of milk for breakfast and lunch and only ate protein foods for supper. An individualized exercise program was developed for each inmate, with certain exercises common for all. The exercise program was followed both in the cells and during prescribed recreation periods. At the end of the 4 weeks, each inmate had lost over 50 pounds, and the participants' interest and involvement in active exercise recreation continued beyond the program period.