Body Mass Index at a Medium Secure Unit: A Four-Year Service Evaluation

Abbasi, Yasir, Bowley, Stephanie, Matta, Simon and Bloye, Darran (2011) Body Mass Index at a Medium Secure Unit: A Four-Year Service Evaluation. Mental Health and Learning Disabilities Research and Practice, 8 (1). pp. 31-40. ISSN 1743-6885

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Abstract

This study investigated changes in body mass index (BMI) in male patients at a medium secure unit (MSU) and the subsequent effects of several healthy initiatives over a period of four years. Data was collected from 2005 to 2009 and BMI was calculated on admission and subsequently at least once a year.

Results
The average BMI increased markedly over the years. A significant number of patients shifted from being overweight to clinically obese. Weight gain occurred mostly in the first year of admission and in most patients efforts to ensure a healthier lifestyle were unsuccessful.

Clinical Implications
The physical health of patients in secure units needs to be prioritised and healthy lifestyle choices maximised, particularly in the first year following admission. Obesity management requires a person-centered approach, but a pragmatic shift in attitudes, of both patients and staff, towards calorie intake is also required.

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