Prisoners are piling on so much weight inside they are constantly breaking toilet seats.
HMP Downview inspectors in South London stated that an ‘important proportion’ (210) of female inmates was ‘overweight, many of whom gained weight while locked down.
Around 22 hour-a-day women are kept in single cells. They have only 30 minutes to exercise and many end up eating snacks inside their cells.
Prisoners complained to the Independent Monitoring Board, (IMB), about how they gained pounds while in prison after falling into a routine of comfort eating.
Inspectors at HMP Downview in South London said that a ‘large proportion’ of the 210 female inmates were ‘overweight’, with many gaining weight over lockdown
The jail’s report stated that in-cell toilet seats were broken and required to be replaced.
According to the report, “Toilet seats were broken on several wings in different cells.”
“We were informed they would break frequently.”
Inspectors spoke out about the jail’s strategy to promote health and said they were aiming at obesity reduction as well as lighter meals like salads.
It stated that a holistic program for well-being was highly promising.
“It was designed to combat obesity, and offered psychological services that provided advice about emotional eating.
According to a jail source, it is ‘difficult to maintain the volume of toilet seats that are being destroyed. He added: “At one time we were trying to replace all the loo seats.”
“Some are only good for one week before starting to crack and they don’t stop until you get another.
According to another report, inspectors at the jail were concerned by the obesity of inmates.
The Board stated that it had noticed high rates of obesity in women and concerns about weight gain.
“The prison encourages healthy eating habits and educates women about the dangers of becoming obese.
“Nevertheless, large numbers of women seem to be overweight and many have made comments to the Board regarding their weight gains while they are in prison.”
This jail is home to the UK’s first transgender unit. It is well-known for its generous food portions.
You can find typical grub at the restaurant, including fish and chips and pasta bakes as well as burgers and roast chicken. There are also pizzas and curries, and desserts such as doughnuts and spongecake.
A new ‘health promotion plan’ has been agreed by the prison to be used alongside the NHS in order to address health problems among prisoners “holistically”.
To solve the root causes of problems, the goal is to address the whole person – body, mind and social.
These areas include: exercise, nutrition, weight loss, and depression.
Also, plans are in place for a review of the diet’s ‘quality’ and ‘nutritional content’ and promotion of healthy eating.
Healthy eating and obesity advice includes regular exercise, jogging, eating balanced meals, slow eating, and doing fast walking.
According to a Prison Service spokesperson, “Offenders receive healthy meals throughout their imprisonment and are given the chance to exercise.”