Inmates at Rose West's Prison Voice Concerns Over Weight Gain from Carb-Heavy Meals
A recent report into HMP New Hall in West Yorkshire has uncovered that inmates transferred to the facility, including notorious serial killer Rose West, are complaining about significant weight gain attributed to a diet overly rich in carbohydrates. The prison, which houses approximately 380 inmates with 40 serving life sentences, has faced criticism for serving food described as too "carb heavy," leading to concerns over health and nutrition among the female prisoner population.
Inspectors Call for Healthier Menu Options
Inspectors from the Independent Monitoring Board highlighted that the catering manager at HMP New Hall has been tasked with developing "healthier and more nutritionally balanced meals" in response to inmate feedback. As part of this initiative, the prison kitchen has introduced 12 "Buddha Bowls," which are vegetarian dishes featuring small portions of ingredients such as brown rice, quinoa, vegetables, chickpeas, and tofu. These bowls aim to provide adequate protein and the recommended daily average of vitamins and minerals, offering a plant-based alternative to the traditional prison fare.
Persistent Complaints About Stodgy and Calorific Food
Despite these efforts, inmates continue to express dissatisfaction, arguing that the food remains too stodgy and calorific. The report notes that prisoners have voiced a preference for greater variety in the menu, with many women reporting weight gain after being transferred to New Hall. Historically, female inmates have complained about being served excessive amounts of carbohydrate-rich foods, including bread, chips, pasta, and pizzas, which contribute to an unbalanced diet.
Background on Rose West and Prison Health Concerns
Rose West, who is incarcerated at HMP New Hall, was reportedly ordered to go on a diet by prison doctors several years ago after being deemed "dangerously overweight." She had ballooned to 18 stone, largely due to consuming an unhealthy diet of cake, crisps, and chocolate while behind bars. This case underscores broader health issues within the prison system, where studies indicate that around 70% of the estimated 3,500 female prisoners in the UK are either overweight or obese, with approximately one-third classified as obese with a BMI of 40 or higher.
Health Risks and Prisoner Behavior
A BMI score of 40 is categorized as "severe obesity" and can lead to serious health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. For reference, a healthy BMI for women ranges from 18.5 to 24.9, with scores over 25 considered overweight. A prison source revealed that many inmates engage in "comfort eating" while incarcerated, exacerbating weight issues. Those with access to private funds can purchase additional items from the canteen, but even without such resources, the daily menu often features stodgy options like pies, pizzas, pasta, and fish and chips.
Ongoing Efforts to Improve Prison Catering
The report, released earlier this month, acknowledges that catering arrangements at HMP New Hall are generally good but notes a perceived deterioration in food quality since the last inspection. The prison has recognized the need to provide a more balanced diet, including fewer carbohydrates. A team of 25 cooks and the catering manager, all of whom are inmates, are currently working on developing a new menu in response to these complaints, aiming to address the nutritional imbalances and support better health outcomes for the prison population.
