Inmates relocated to the correctional facility where infamous serial killer Rose West is incarcerated are expressing dissatisfaction with the weight they are putting on. A recent assessment of HMP New Hall in West Yorkshire, housing approximately 380 inmates, including 40 serving life sentences, revealed that inmates transferred from other prisons across the country complained about the excessive carb content in the meals served. The Independent Monitoring Board inspectors directed the catering manager to enhance the nutritional balance of the food by offering healthier options.
Consequently, the prison kitchen has introduced Buddha Bowls, which are plant-based dishes featuring modest portions of brown rice, quinoa, vegetables, chickpeas, and tofu. Despite these efforts, some inmates still protest that the food remains too heavy and high in calories.
Notably, several years back, Rose West was instructed by prison medical staff to undergo a weight loss regimen due to being deemed “dangerously overweight.” She had reached 18 stone by indulging in an unhealthy diet consisting of cake, crisps, and chocolate while in custody.
In response to inmates’ complaints about weight gain after being transferred to New Hall, a team comprising 25 cooks and the catering manager, all inmates themselves, is revamping the menu. The report indicates that the catering manager is actively diversifying the range of healthier and nutritionally balanced meals and has introduced 12 ‘Buddha’ bowls. These dishes are entirely plant-based but provide adequate protein and essential vitamins and minerals, meeting the daily nutritional requirements.
The recently released report also highlights prisoners’ desire for more food variety and notes that many women tend to gain weight during their time at New Hall. Female inmates have previously raised concerns about the predominance of carb-heavy items like bread, chips, pasta, and pizza in the menu.
The report further mentions, “Catering arrangements were generally satisfactory, but women expressed dissatisfaction with the food compared to our previous inspection. Many women felt there was an excess of carbohydrates in the menus. Although the tasted food was acceptable, the prison acknowledged the necessity of offering a more balanced diet with reduced carbohydrate content.”
Statistics indicate that approximately 70% of the estimated 3,500 female prisoners are either overweight or obese, with one-third classified as obese with a BMI of 40 or higher. A BMI score of 40 signifies ‘severe obesity’ and poses risks of various health issues such as heart disease and diabetes. A healthy BMI range for women falls between 18.5-24.9, with anything above 25 considered ‘overweight.’
According to a prison insider, many inmates resort to ‘comfort eating’ during their incarceration, noting that those with personal funds can purchase a variety of items from the canteen. However, even for those without access to private funds, the food provided, though improving, still tends to be heavy, featuring items like pies, pizzas, pasta, and fish and chips on a daily basis.