It pains me more than I can say to report this bit of tragic news. According to the USA Today, Christians are fatter than non-Christians. More precisely stated (and this is even more painful), frequent church attenders are fatter than infrequent attenders. It appears that your Christianity has to be real to make you fat. Well, at least that means it’s not because of the baptisms!
Does this mean we’ll live longer if we become nominal Christians? No. Actually, other studies show that devout Christians are healthier and live longer than non-Christians. So evidently, Jesus is so powerful, he can even overcome obesity! This is good news indeed. You see, I could stand to lose a pound or two. A week. For several weeks. Months, really. But Jesus is the answer!
I can just see the new marketing materials. “Join our church and stop worrying about your waistline!” “Jesus saves even fat people!” “Extra-heavy-duty pews!”
“On the whole being religious has been shown by many studies to be associated with better mental health, lower smoking rates, lower mortality rates and better overall health status,” said Feinstein. “There are a whole lot of things religious people are doing right, but it’s just this specific area where there appears to be room for improvement.”
The upshot of the new research, said Feinstein, is that knowing there may be an obesity problem among church-goers provides a captive audience for intervention.
“The real value of the study is not understanding why,” said Feinstein. “What this study does is highlight a group that could potentially benefit from targeted anti-obesity initiatives. That’s exciting because there is a lot of infrastructure already in place in religious communities.”
Now that’s just stupid. Really. If we regular church goers live longer than everyone else, and if we’re fatter than everyone else, then maybe Jesus likes us fat. Did you ever think about that?
So why is it that Christians who are regular attenders fat? Here are some theories. I’d love to hear yours.
* Inaugurated eschatology. You see, heaven isn’t where you can eat all you want and not get fat. Heaven is where no one cares that you’re fat. And the church is a preview of heaven.
* Naps during the sermon. Excess sleep as been associated with obesity, you know.
* Quiet times. While everyone else is out jogging, we’re on our knees.
* Blogging. Well, actually, I’m down a few pounds. It’s all the typing, I’m sure.
* Potlucks. Got to be the banana pudding. And the importance of not insulting the cooks. Of the desserts. The ladies who cooked vegetable casseroles knew they wouldn’t please everyone. But the lady who made the extra-gooey brownies will be devastated if I don’t eat three or four. And so, as a matter of sacrificial, Christian compassion …
* Church league sports. A culture of niceness means we don’t practice as hard as others. We’re working on our witnessing while everyone else is practicing beating out bunts.
* Only 18 holes on a Sunday. Church cuts squarely into golfing time. While our friends are getting in 36 holes on a Sunday, Christian golfers can’t get but 18.
* Male leadership. Women are much more into healthy eating. Good thing God didn’t put them in charge!
* No premarital sex. Since we don’t get naked until our wedding night, we don’t have to diet until the month before. And then we can stop! You see, we have …
* Lower divorce rates. Contrary to urban legend, devout Christians have much lower divorce rates than others. And so they don’t have to diet to land their second or third spouse.
What else?
Jay,
I know this post is tongue-in-cheek, but seriously it could be that Christians who are regular attenders worship the true God rather than their own bodies.
Blessings,
Alan S.
Before I even read the rest of the post, I thought, "potlucks."
This may read as hateful or insensitive. I apologize if I am coming across as too harsh on this topic.
I wish the post were less tongue in cheek. Obesity is an outward sign of gluttony, and gluttony is or at least used to be a sin. It has something to do with an addiction to food or being controlled by food. Sort of like food is an idol, something like that. But we don't preach about gluttony. We do preach about addiction to alcohol, addiction to money, addiction to sex, addiction to port, but addiction to food – no, we don't preach about or even discuss that.
What troubles me most about the addiction to food is that persons rarely have one addiction as addictions seem to come in bunches.
Alan S, surely worshipping the one true God would motivate us to take care of our bodies so we are better able to work in the kingdom? Don't we have a responsibility to be good stewards of our health?
I agree about the potlucks.More than that, though are the donuts and other baked goods offered on Sunday mornings. I'm pretty frustrated with the "foods" I'm constantly being exposed to at church. It's almost socially unacceptable to offer anything that would be beneficial to someone's health.
Jay,
There are several sins that American/Western culture has transformed into virtues. And i think the church has been on board throughout that process of change. i certainly don't find it a trend for Christians to take very seriously the need to be good stewards of the earth or their bodies or to be concerned with a lifestyle of consumption to the harm of others. i think there's a mentality that there are areas of life (such as those i mentioned) that Christian ethics simply doesn't touch or effect.
We had a class a couple years ago at my congregation on the 7 deadly sins vs. the Beattitudes. And the conclusion was interesting–most of the 7 deadly sins are in many ways now considered virtues in our society. Instead of making fun of the data about obesity, maybe it's time for us to confess and repent.
–guy
Too much proof texting of 1 Timothy 4:8, For bodily exercise profiteth little…
I'm in a health and wellness company… Obesity is epidemic… Childhood obesity is epidemic… there are many reasons for being overweight but they all center around calories in versus calories out… Emotional issues, addictions, etc., keep us from being able to accurately know exactly why someone obese…or headed that way…However, what we do know is that there is a solution for that person's problem… Driving oneself into heart disease, diabetes, etc., etc., isn't good. It's obviously not a salvation issue but it is certainly a quality of life issue. Plus, in many ways it does limit one's witness for Jesus… I mean if you can't stop eating beyond the point of it becoming a critical health issue, then why on earth am I listening to you condemn me about listening to instrumental music ?? Or what is the difference between my meth problem, or alcohol problem and your food problem, yet you condemn me… Churches need to get on board with speaking to and encouraging good health habits. Instead of pulling up the rear, no pun intended, we need to be leading the way… I know groups now that absolutely forbid fattening food to be brought to a dinner..If it's not healthy, don't bring it…
Studies have actually shown that overweight people live longer than so-called "normal" weight people; the current standards are pretty messed up — especially BMI, by which a very muscular athlete can be called "obese" or "morbidly obese". What's actually associated with increased mortality is a sedentary lifestyle. There have also been some very interesting studies on weight loss which show that it's a little more complex than "calories in, calories out".
While obesity can be a result of gluttony and / or sloth, it isn't necessarily so. Some folks' metabolisms just work that way, and while they may look well-padded, they could bench-press you, and will still be working after the skinny ones are exhausted.
Focusing on fatness over fitness is dangerous; it's harmful to the mental and physical well being of adults and especially kids. If weight loss follows from increased exercise, great! But it may not for everyone, or not to the extent an observer might expect, and that has to be OK, too.
Good stewards, yes. Worship, no.
I would respectfully disagree with you Cathy. It is physics…calories in, calories out…Anyone can control calories in…how calories are expended does indeed depend on metabolism, thyroid issues, stress, etc., but all of those can be controlled as well…And, strength doesn't preclude diabetes, heart disease, etc. The bottom line, again no pun intended, is that people CAN control whether they choose to live a healthy lifestyle or not…many choices exist…however, so do many excuses… But, I've never known an overweight person who got it back under control that wasn't pleased. And, so was their physician. Obviously, there are good ways and bad ways to manage one's overall health.. But, generally, weight is a pretty good indication of a person's overall health… And most people don't fall into an exceptional circumstance but they sure do try..
Price–
"Calories in/out" doesn't always hold true. Probably because the concept of a calorie is merely theoretical. I'm not justifying people being fat; everyone can lose weight to *their* healthy weight.
I get frustrated (and I"m fat) when I hear people blame their "metabolic condition" or their "thyroid issues" for making them fat. No, you got fat first (though you might have been predisposed) and that threw off your hormones. Otherwise, all of the Jew pictures we see from Auschwitz, etc. would show a bunch of skin-and-bones naked Jews running around, being trailed by fleshy Jew porkers. I've never seen that.
So "in and out" certain has truth to it, but calories, as we understand them, can only be a guiding point.
Obesity is not the same as being a few pounds overweight. And it is quite correct that certain aspects of some of the obesity guidelines are nonsensical. Being a few pounds overweight is not in and of itself a serious problem. Being obese is a serious problem. If it is indeed statistically true that this same Christian population that is overweight also is healthier overall, then the obvious conclusion is that they aren't statistically obese. Group statistics are meaningless when applied to individuals, and correlation does not equal causation.
Gluttony versus drunkenness is a valid comparison only to the extent that the two are really equivalent. Being a few pounds overweight is not equivalent to being an alcoholic.
JMF…Actually, we all have varying metabolic rates. And, they change. Stress factors, all of the above mentioned are actual causes that one person may have that another doesn't… But, just because we can identify the causation doesn't mean that we don 't take responsibility for correcting the situation. There isn't a person around that with the proper determination and ability who can't get down to a "healthy" body fat composition.. The know how is there…it's the will to change and support from family and friends that's missing…. But, imagine how frustrating it is for a Fat Christian to attend small group Bible studies or after church pot luck dinners where they serve Paul Dean style dishes !! Would we serve alcohol around alcoholics ?? I think it's time we as a church stop laughing it off and start trying to be a good influence on the people around us that are having issues and help them get their health back… It's sad that we give clothes and shelter to the homeless and doughnuts to the cardiovascularly diseased.
JMF…one more thing…while the terminology and usage of the term calorie may be confused, it is more than just some theoretical concept.. although imperfect, it is a fairly accurate measure of the energy required to operate the body efficiently. Each person has a slightly different energy requirement… It is widely accepted by the best physicians and nutritionists that excessive calorie intake causes weight gain. Reduced intake and exercise (increased energy consumption) in the right way will use more of the body's stored energy and thus lower weight… It's working well for people in fitness centers everywhere…
I heartily agree…that is the point I was making above. There are no fat Auschwitz jews. If you have a slow metab or thyroid you simply have to eat even less than normal people. Life isn't fair.
That said, I'm not certain I support changing our potlucks to green beans and rice. *If* I buy your calorie in/out argument, a Paula Dean dish doesn't matter. All that matters is that I watch my consumption.
…And there is anecdotal evidence to that end. You probably read the (un-scientific) study that professor at Kansas State did: He was 40# overweight and reduced his diet down to 1500 k/cal a day of….twinkies. And he lost like 20# the first month. A story like that support your calories in/out argument, but it allows us to eat Paula Dean style if we choose…so long as we are teaching consumption control.
The above paragraph is why I don't support a "calories only" concept on dieting.
Price:
This is anecdotal, but I swear to it's truth (since it is about me).
From January 24 to February 23 of this year, I ate between 1800-2200 k/cal a day without substantial change. Perhaps on two days I ate 2500 k/cal a day. I also exercised 6 day/wk for 2-3 hrs a day.
I don't want to get too personal as i don't want to identify myself (have acquaintances who read here), but to give you an idea of my size, my lean body mass (meaning, my body with ZERO % bodyfat) is 255#. 6'1". Powerlifted in the past. And substantially fat, currently.
So that is what my February looked like.
Result? *Drumroll*……I lost about five pounds.
From Feb. 23 to March 23 I stopped counting calories. But I did rough counts, and was probably eating 3000-3500 k/cal a day. The only catch: no dairy, fruit, sugar, or flour. Had one free day per week. Mostly ate (and still eat) meat, guac, salsa, protein shakes (low carb), salads, eggs, bacon, veggies, beef, etc.
Dropped my workouts down to one hour/5 days a week (I do Crossfit; big time plug for anyone looking for an amazing workout).
Result? I think I lost 22 or 23 lbs.
That is why I can't buy the calorie argument.
Orion,
Thanks! I’m glad that there is at least one other person on the planet with a sense of humor about fatness.
Yes, yes, yes, obesity is an epidemic, bad for the health, and all that. But we are all living longer than ever — so long that we’re bankrupting Social Security and Medicare — and there’d be no point in living such long lives if we can’t laugh about things like Christians being fatter and yet healthier than most people. If that’s not a straight line, none was ever written!
I will not be cowed by the too-serious-to-joke-about crowd!!!!
Correlation is not the same as causation.
Although…… we ARE filled with the Holy Spirit.
Sacrament [sak-ruh-muhnt] /sækr?m?nt/ (noun)- outward visible sign of an inward spiritual grace.
apparently the outward visible sign of the Holy Spirit is our Baptism and weight gain.
My own personal study that I conducted concluded that non-Christians are far more likely to develop eating disorders, use steroids, become famous from a reality show, go to celebrity rehab from over drinking, buy a dog that fits in your purse and then finally die from global warming. My qualifications include being a graduate from Disney University.
I'd rather be overweight.
JMF… The body processes food in different ways… If you can calibrate your food intake based on protein, fat and carbs you can substantially reduce weight. That's why some of the weight loss programs will start a person out on nearly an all protein diet at first…It gets the body into carb burning mode…Then they add in the "right" amount of fat and carbs…It's still calories but it's tuning the body toward calorie usage instead of calorie storage… fruits have sugar, although natural, it's still sugar..shouldn't eat any after 3pm.. eating is good..5 times a day.. starving oneself slows metabolism which reduces calorie usage !! What I'm doing a poor job of explaining is that it's still calorie in and calorie out but it's how to do it that produces results… You've found that a "proper" intake of carbs, fat and protein improves calorie usage so yes I agree that it's not just counting calories but rather WHAT calories you consume… Excellent point. Our weight management foods are pre-calibrated for protein, fat and carbs for that very reason… But, it's still a matter of calories used versus stored …make sense?
Zach…the argument from the other side would be what's the difference?? You kill yourself one way, I kill myself another… It seems to me to all be overindulgence..
JMF…email me.. I'd like to hear your story… confidentially… it's always good to hear of how people found the motivation and method to get things back under control.
[email protected]
It would be nice to blog about deeper relationships, new Bible insights, stories of conversions, lives changed, new churches started, answered prayers, missionary reports,…
Somehow to me talking about how overweight modern Christians may be, while entertaining, is missing the reason why I go to oneinJesus.com.
Smoking, drinking and chasing whores takes a lot out of you!
The time and especially money spent in doing same doesn't allow much time for purchasing or eating good nutritous food.
If the source of the calories matters, it's not "just" calories in, calories out. It's simply more complicated than that, and the research shows it, from the WWII era starvation diet studies with conscientious objectors on. Some people need more protein, some need more carbs. Bodies are different. Some people can look "fat" but be totally healthy; some people look "normal" or "thin", then keel over from a supposedly obesity-linked condition. It's _complicated_, and it is _not_ fully understood.
There are no fat people in concentration camps.
Why?
They eat less! Period.
How many men have I seen that came to the USMC very overweight of all builds and it was amazing to see how they changed when placed in the fat mans platoon and every bite they ate was planned for them individually.
We had a 5K and10K run yesterday in honor of my granddaughter who died at 7 1/2 called Caseys Cause to raise money for ITP research. It is a yearly event in Trussville, Alabama. Not a fat person running. Some I know personally that used to be fat, but with exercise and a good diet are runners today.
The positive side is a happy person who overeats will get bigger quicker than one under stress and hopefully Christians are happier.
Christians are fat because they are so repressed in almost all areas of their lives, especially sexually. When you make something natural and physical into a “sin” people war with their bodies and themselves. Because christians are so uptight about their bodies and sex in general they look for some other way to have a little pleasure, and since food is not condemned as a sin, they partake in order to have a little bit of release and some physical joy in their uptight little lives. I have noticed that not all religious people get fat, but those who are the most repressed, especially sexually. Some religions are more normal and open to sexuality and my experience has been that these religious people don’t turn to food to get a little jollies. If you can’t even think about sex, then a lard-filled pie will have to do.
Christians are fat because they are so repressed in almost all areas of their lives, especially sexually. Because christians are often so uptight about their bodies and sex in general they look for some other way to have a little pleasure, and since food is not condemned as a sin, they partake in order to have a little bit of release and some physical joy in their uptight little lives. I have noticed that not all religious people get fat, but those who are the most repressed, especially sexually. Some religions are more normal and open to sexuality and my experience has been that these religious people don’t turn to food to get a little jollies. If you can’t even think about sex, then a lard-filled pie will have to do.
I don’t WHY Christians are fatter but I’ve seen it first-hand. Now, let me say that I’m not a Christian. I’m an agnostic. Religion and spirituality play no role in my life.
Okay then….last summer I attended Sunday services with somebody I know just because they wanted me to come along with them and I thought “it couldn’t hurt”. Almost everybody there was OBESE. It was disgusting. I’m not talking a bit pudgy…I mean huge bellies, double chins, fat fingers, the whole nine yards.
Being too fat is just as much a sin as drinking too much or many other listed in the Bible sins of overindulgence. Seldom if ever heard obesity preached on as a sin though. Too many in the audience that would want a preacher fired for that sermon. Truth that all know is there is weighed against job and job has always won in my experience. How loud is the cry “preach the Gospel” in season and out! I did know one preacher Jerry Jenkins when his being overweight was pointed out as a sin, he went on a diet and for the rest of his life was thin.
Other side though is the thin folks malnourished from too much smoking, drinking, dope, many things deemed more important that they spend their money and time on other than food.
Many Christians follow the preachers lead and that is not always good.
Had a preacher having a class in a home and telling the man it was a sin to commit adultery as he was doing and the man said what about your weight preacher?
Bible folded closed and we left.
Kevin is obviously angry at Christians about something; I can’t tell if they are denying him the peach cobbler or turning him down for something else…