Obesity in the Church

Apparently a study released about a year ago found a direct correlation between church attendance and levels of obesity. Why is it that you are more likely to be obese if you are religious?

Something is not right with this picture.

Could it be that people view taking care of their physical body as less “spiritual” than other activities? Is the body of Christ wounded emotionally? Are we craving food instead of God? Are we ignoring the Holy Spirit’s nudges towards self control? Are pastors bad examples of this problem? Do we, as church goers, overemphasize food when we do celebrations at church? Do we, as Christians, not know what is truly good food to eat?

My best guess is that it is a combination of all of the above and probably other factors as well. What can not be debated is that this is a problem. Clearly it is a problem—just go into any church on Sunday morning and look around!

Since the causes are many, there is not going to be a quick one-size-fits-all fix for this problem. First, people need to admit that they have a problem and need help—that we, as a church, have a problem and need help. Let’s start caring, praying, helping each other, listening closer to the Holy Spirit, getting the inner healing prayer that we need, getting the correct nutritional knowledge that we need and more.

What can you do to be a part of the solution instead of a part of the problem?

Check out some of these other articles on the web on this topic to give you more to think about.

Obesity in the Body of Christ

Praise the lard?

Obesity in the Church

Church Attendance Associated with Obesity

Comments

Obesity in the Church — 7 Comments

Debi on February 10, 2012 at 2:15 am said:

Thanks for the links…I especially liked “Praise the Lard” great article!

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Sheri on February 10, 2012 at 2:59 am said:

Cheryl…this is a timely word of truth…..I have over ate during the holidays and am paying the price now. But I am determined to get in shape and maintain a healthier eating habit for me and the Glory of God…as I know that my physical body is just as important as my spiritual. Actually it’s a package…God is concerned about me emotionally, mentally, physically, financially and spiritually. Thanks so much for keeping it real. God bless …P.S..when you PAUSE, visit http://www.PausingWithGod.com

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- Cheryl Cope on February 10, 2012 at 2:26 pm said:
  
  Yes, I agree, it is JUST AS IMPORTANT. Well said.
  
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Silvia Pencak on February 10, 2012 at 3:29 am said:

Wow, what a topic, Cheryl. This must have required a lot of courage… Anyway, having my roots in Europe and living now in Canada, I’m not used to see many obese people in the church. I guess it also depends on the country.

Nevertheless, another reason for obesity might be how we spend our money. If we learn to be satisfied with less and share the rest with others, we might not see this problem in the church. As we used to say back home: “Eat your breakfast yourself, share your lunch with a friend and your dinner with your enemy.”

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- Cheryl Cope on February 10, 2012 at 2:25 pm said:
  
  It seems to be epidemic and should not be ignored. As with most things, it requires compassion. If not for the grace of God, there go I.
  
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Franklin King on February 10, 2012 at 2:00 pm said:

You have some excellent articles…thanks for sharing. 🙂 I will keep an eye out with these tips. I agree with you…not just in the church, but a nationwide epidemic.

Thanks again, and God Bless You,
Franklin

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Xxx on March 8, 2012 at 12:54 am said:

Interesting article. I notice this on TBN and other networks, as well as in the churches I’ve attended. As a christian male, you feel pressured to accept all people. However, where is the limit? I have had larger friends and that is no problem. However, when it comes to attraction, should you have to force yourself to be attracted to someone just because they are a Christian? I recall as a kid growing up in church, my mother would say, “Look at Paula. She’s such a nice Christian girl. Why don’t you like her?” However, my mom didn’t realize she was very overweight, didn’t take care of herself well, and I didn’t find her attractive.”

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