Inmates transferred to the prison where notorious serial killer Rose West is incarcerated are expressing dissatisfaction with the meals provided, claiming they are gaining excessive weight.
A recent assessment of HMP New Hall in West Yorkshire, housing approximately 380 inmates, including 40 serving life sentences, revealed that prisoners relocated from other facilities across the country complained about the high carbohydrate content in the food. The Independent Monitoring Board inspectors reported that the catering manager had been instructed to offer healthier and more balanced meals in response to these concerns.
To address the issue, the prison kitchen now offers Buddha Bowls, vegetarian dishes featuring small portions of brown rice, quinoa, vegetables, chickpeas, and tofu. Despite these changes, some inmates still criticize the food for being too heavy and calorie-dense.
Years ago, Rose West was allegedly instructed by prison medical staff to go on a diet due to being dangerously overweight. She had reportedly reached 18 stone by consuming a diet filled with cake, crisps, and chocolate during her incarceration.
In response to inmate complaints about weight gain after being transferred to New Hall, a team of 25 inmate cooks and the catering manager are revamping the menu. The report indicates that the catering manager is exploring a broader selection of nutritious meals and has introduced 12 plant-based Buddha bowls containing adequate protein and essential vitamins and minerals.
The report also noted prisoners’ preference for more food variety and highlighted concerns about weight gain among female inmates at New Hall. Previous complaints from female prisoners included receiving meals high in carbohydrates, such as bread, chips, pasta, and pizzas.
Studies indicate that a significant percentage of the estimated 3,500 female prisoners are either overweight or obese, with one-third classified as obese with a BMI exceeding 40. A BMI of 40 or higher is considered severe obesity and is associated with various health complications like heart disease and diabetes. A healthy BMI for women falls between 18.5 and 24.9, with anything above 25 classified as overweight.
A prison insider mentioned that many inmates resort to “comfort eating” while incarcerated, emphasizing that even though the food quality is improving, it often consists of heavy options like pies, pizzas, pasta, and fish and chips served daily.
