Obesity crisis as prisoners now so fat they need trousers with massive 74-inch waist

Inmates at prisons in the UK are suffering from a lack of exercise and poor nutrition, with research showing the obesity rate is as high as 55% in some jails

Prisoners are now so fat that some need trousers with a 74-inch waist, new research shows. The average plus size at HMP Standford Hill in Kent is an 8XL, equivalent to between 70 and 74inches.

And blobby lags at four other prisons had an average XL size of seven, meaning their waists were between 66 to 71ins. The shocking stats show just how large UK prisoners are now, with many hit by a lack of exercise and poor food.

In some UK prisons the obesity rate is as high as 55%, compared to 26% of the wider population. New Freedom of Information data shows exactly how bad the issue is.

Demand for extra-large prisoner uniforms is surging, with XL uniform orders rising by 41.75% between 2022 and 2024 and the average size going from 4XL to 6XL. HMP Isle of Wight is the largest single orderer of extra-large uniforms, with 153 since 2020.

Included were 60” waist trousers and a range of 5XL items, with the overall average size ordered being 5XL and a 49.95” waist. In second place is ‘Monster Mansion’ HMP Frankland, a category A high-security prison known for having held Ian Huntley, Levi Bellfield, Wayne Couzens, Peter Sutcliffe, and terrorist Hashem Abedi.

There, 109 extra-large uniforms were ordered since 2020, including 6XL t-shirts and jackets, as well as 56” trousers. The prison’s average XL size stands at 4XL, with a 51.47” average waist measurement.

In third place is HMP Full Sutton, with 93 extra-large uniforms ordered since 2020, including 8XL t-shirts, sweatshirts and fleeces. In 2023, the average size of extra-large prison uniforms was 4XL.

This rose to 5XL in 2024 and 6XL in 2025, an increase of two clothing sizes in just two years. If this trend continues, UK prisons could require average extra-large sizes of 7XL by 2026, and potentially 8XL by 2027.

The figures were collated by online doctor ZAVA. Dr Shelly Coe, Associate Professor of Nutrition Science at Oxford Brookes University, said: “Prisoners in the UK often experience a reduction of autonomy in their lives, with one key aspect being their diet.

“Although prisoners are presented with menu choices, for example, five options at lunch and dinner, in most cases they remain restricted to a diet provided by the institution.

“In addition, prisoners experience a higher burden of health issues compared to the general population. Diets are sometimes compromised, yet improvements could lead to better health outcomes.”

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