The Effect of Incarceration on Adult Male BMI Trajectories, United States, 1981-2006.

ABSTRACT: The prevalence of obesity and overweight is socially patterned, with higher prevalence among women, racial/ethnic minorities, and those with lower socio-economic status. Contextual factors also affect obesity risk. However, an omitted factor has been incarceration, particularly since it disproportionately affects minorities. This study examines the effects of incarceration on adult male body mass index (BMI) in the United States over the life course, and whether effects vary by race/ethnicity and education. BMI trajectories were analyzed over age using growth curve models of men ages 18-49 from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth panel study. BMI was based on self-reported height/weight (kg/m²). Being currently incarcerated increased BMI, but the effect varied by race/ethn

SUBMITTER: Houle B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4010134 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature