Is Obesity a Sin?

[missourimary]

What if, rather than preaching against obesity, we taught that supersized Cokes were a sin, or Quarter Pounders with Cheese? Or pizza or chocolate?

Food and weight aren't easy to preach against. There is no harm in an occasional Coke or Quarter Pounder. They are not addictive (not really... but almost), and by watching intake of other foods we can have one without hurting our overall health.

I was able to sit through a group of classes several years ago where my pastor taught about basic living. He included diet (as in there are five basic food groups, and potato chips and catsup are NOT veggies) as part of the course. Several people later admitted this was the most helpful part of the class for them or their families.

Basic lessons on self control and moderation might also be in order... but those could apply to alcohol and movies and internet and (on and on)... too. That's scary to some people, and that may be why this method is avoided. However, this method would keep people from crash diets (also harmful) as well as giving opportunity to also discuss and speak out against anorexic and bulemic tendencies, which can also be a problem in churches today.

[NotforSale]

Originally Posted by missourimary

What if, rather than preaching against obesity, we taught that supersized Cokes were a sin, or Quarter Pounders with Cheese? Or pizza or chocolate?

Food and weight aren't easy to preach against. There is no harm in an occasional Coke or Quarter Pounder. They are not addictive (not really... but almost), and by watching intake of other foods we can have one without hurting our overall health.

I was able to sit through a group of classes several years ago where my pastor taught about basic living. He included diet (as in there are five basic food groups, and potato chips and catsup are NOT veggies) as part of the course. Several people later admitted this was the most helpful part of the class for them or their families.

Basic lessons on self control and moderation might also be in order... but those could apply to alcohol and movies and internet and (on and on)... too. That's scary to some people, and that may be why this method is avoided. However, this method would keep people from crash diets (also harmful) as well as giving opportunity to also discuss and speak out against anorexic and bulemic tendencies, which can also be a problem in churches today.

I don't know if you had a chance to watch the Video, but there were some interesting approaches to helping our society face and deal with this dilema.

They brought out how increased taxes on Cigarettes has helped this Country almost do an about face on Tabacco use. Taxing the known foods that are causing this problem (Sugared drinks, Fast Food joints, Vendors of processed foods) might help curve this slide into a National Health Crisis.

What is interesting, the cheapest foods are the worst for you. So, lets try and change that. Fresh fruits, Vegetables, Lean meats, and Organic type foods, lets bring these into the affordable price range and reward Americans for the right choice.

Stop the "giving away" of meals that almost cost nothing at Fast Food places, where cokes, fries, and a burger are killing us, and increase the taxes on this food that is sending so many to the hospital.

We had better do something before this goes any further.

I've thought about teaching some classes at our church about diet and exercise, which I think is a great idea. An educated people is a powerful people. This has also worked in the area of Tabacco use. Years of stringent advertising guidlines and commercials about how cigarettes kill have helped many to quit, or never even smoke.

[missourimary]

I didn't watch the video, sorry. Sounds interesting, though.

Taxes are helping people quit tobacco, too, BTW.

Most interesting thought to me: how can a fresh tomato cost $2/lb when a can of tomatoes (ie metal processing, slicing, dicing, preservatives, labelling) cost $.65 for 15 oz (1 oz less than a lb that sells fresh for $2)? There is NO WAY that processing a tomato reduces its overall price by $1.35/lb!!! OK, so add water, but you still have a cost reduction by putting it through so many processes. No way.

[missourimary]

Hijack:
Every time I use that smiley () and reread my post I shake my head when it does. I can't seem to keep from it!! I'm on this board wwwaaaaayyy too much!!

[ForeverBlessed]

Originally Posted by NotforSale

I don't know if you had a chance to watch the Video, but there were some interesting approaches to helping our society face and deal with this dilema.

They brought out how increased taxes on Cigarettes has helped this Country almost do an about face on Tabacco use. Taxing the known foods that are causing this problem (Sugared drinks, Fast Food joints, Vendors of processed foods) might help curve this slide into a National Health Crisis.

What is interesting, the cheapest foods are the worst for you. So, lets try and change that. Fresh fruits, Vegetables, Lean meats, and Organic type foods, lets bring these into the affordable price range and reward Americans for the right choice.

Stop the "giving away" of meals that almost cost nothing at Fast Food places, where cokes, fries, and a burger are killing us, and increase the taxes on this food that is sending so many to the hospital.

We had better do something before this goes any further.

I've thought about teaching some classes at our church about diet and exercise, which I think is a great idea. An educated people is a powerful people. This has also worked in the area of Tabacco use. Years of stringent advertising guidlines and commercials about how cigarettes kill have helped many to quit, or never even smoke.

taxing anything takes away freedom. We are a free country. It is a matter of choice. It is not my business that someone smokes, abuses their bodies with sex, alcohol or whatever their vice is... am I concerned? yes, but more concerned as the abuse is a spiritual problem. However, it is their right and freedom... freedom to choose. Everyone is entitled to freedom to spend their money where and how they want to spend it if they earn it. If we choose bad roads to follow, it will lead to early death, but it is our right to choose.

We do NOT need government any bigger taxing foods, drinks and restaurants. This country does not need more regulations.

Anyway, you can't judge other people, especially questioning salvation because of the fact they carry extra weight or are obese. I do not believe condemning people for their failures work at all, and I don't care what the issue is. The fastest way to turn someone off is to have a skinny person harp on overweight issues... want to see a person with weight issues gain weight?? harp on their eating habits. I really don't know a fat person around who wants to really be that way. Many times they feel helpless and unable to succeed at losing.

Nothing annoys me more than to see people post on weight issues when they have never spent one day facing the stuggle. Generalizing the problem and lumping every over weight person in one group is annoying too....

I am an overweight woman but am healthy and has not been sick or to the doctor in over two years... and the last time I was at my family doctor was for preventative visit... my blood pressure runs low, my blood sugar is normal, my cholesterol is good. I exercise and I eat healthy. I am not a glutton, usually the only time I can honestly say that I don't eat right is from Thanksgiving till Christmas. I enjoy baking, and cooking.....it's fun.

I am not sinning because I am heavy... I gained weight as it snuck up on me over 10 years or so... lot easier to put it on and maintain than to lose it. We eat a lot of fruits, vegi's and whole grains...and I buy organic when I can... we eat really healthy foods... it is a rare, rare time to have hot dogs or processed foods in my fridge.

I have three daughters all raised with the same foods served to them, two were thin... one is heavier and has weight issues. Genetics does factor into this...I have apologize a zillion times for cursing her with the slow metabolism like my family, she even looks like my family... I just bought her a gym membership so she could go to the gym with me....oh, yeah, this overweight woman goes to the gym and has for years.

Does America in general eat the wrong foods... yes Food is a big part of entertainment where people enjoy cooking and eating out in restaurants. Taxing everything is NOT the answer....education is.

I think there does need to be more focus on healthy foods through education and promotion in health organizations.

I went to get a dental procedure done recently and they took my blood pressure before doing it... the nurse swings around and excited says "wow, great pressure, awesome!" I looked at her annoyed and told her it was high for me... I am stessed and nervous because of the procedure... it was 120/80Just because someone is overweight does not mean they are struggling with high blood pressure or other ailments. I get annoyed with every nurse that does that to me...

I can't stand people who think because someone is overweight they are gluttons, sickly with health issues, and now think they are sinners. now I am throughly annoyed... I think I will go to bed.

[NotforSale]

Originally Posted by ForeverBlessed

taxing anything takes away freedom. We are a free country. It is a matter of choice. It is not my business that someone smokes, abuses their bodies with sex, alcohol or whatever their vice is... am I concerned? yes, but more concerned as the abuse is a spiritual problem. However, it is their right and freedom... freedom to choose. Everyone is entitled to freedom to spend their money where and how they want to spend it if they earn it. If we choose bad roads to follow, it will lead to early death, but it is our right to choose.

We do NOT need government any bigger taxing foods, drinks and restaurants. This country does not need more regulations.

Anyway, you can't judge other people, especially questioning salvation because of the fact they carry extra weight or are obese. I do not believe condemning people for their failures work at all, and I don't care what the issue is. The fastest way to turn someone off is to have a skinny person harp on overweight issues... want to see a person with weight issues gain weight?? harp on their eating habits. I really don't know a fat person around who wants to really be that way. Many times they feel helpless and unable to succeed at losing.

Nothing annoys me more than to see people post on weight issues when they have never spent one day facing the stuggle. Generalizing the problem and lumping every over weight person in one group is annoying too....

I am an overweight woman but am healthy and has not been sick or to the doctor in over two years... and the last time I was at my family doctor was for preventative visit... my blood pressure runs low, my blood sugar is normal, my cholesterol is good. I exercise and I eat healthy. I am not a glutton, usually the only time I can honestly say that I don't eat right is from Thanksgiving till Christmas. I enjoy baking, and cooking.....it's fun.

I am not sinning because I am heavy... I gained weight as it snuck up on me over 10 years or so... lot easier to put it on and maintain than to lose it. We eat a lot of fruits, vegi's and whole grains...and I buy organic when I can... we eat really healthy foods... it is a rare, rare time to have hot dogs or processed foods in my fridge.

I have three daughters all raised with the same foods served to them, two were thin... one is heavier and has weight issues. Genetics does factor into this...I have apologize a zillion times for cursing her with the slow metabolism like my family, she even looks like my family... I just bought her a gym membership so she could go to the gym with me....oh, yeah, this overweight woman goes to the gym and has for years.

Does America in general eat the wrong foods... yes Food is a big part of entertainment where people enjoy cooking and eating out in restaurants. Taxing everything is NOT the answer....education is.

I think there does need to be more focus on healthy foods through education and promotion in health organizations.

I went to get a dental procedure done recently and they took my blood pressure before doing it... the nurse swings around and excited says "wow, great pressure, awesome!" I looked at her annoyed and told her it was high for me... I am stessed and nervous because of the procedure... it was 120/80Just because someone is overweight does not mean they are struggling with high blood pressure or other ailments. I get annoyed with every nurse that does that to me...

I can't stand people who think because someone is overweight they are gluttons, sickly with health issues, and now think they are sinners. now I am throughly annoyed... I think I will go to bed.

I sense your frustration, and apologize if this thread comes across as being overboard or critical in the wrong way.

I would kindly ask you to please to watch the program (Video) I posted. I think they did a fair job of covering this issue, without holding back the facts.

I have struggled with my weight in the past, and needed to make some serious life changes.

If anyone bashes overweight folks here, I don't agree with that approach. I hope somehow I've encouraged you to take a step in the right direction.

God Bless...NFS

[ForeverBlessed]

Originally Posted by NotforSale

I sense your frustration, and apologize if this thread comes across as being overboard or critical in the wrong way.

I would kindly ask you to please to watch the program (Video) I posted. I think they did a fair job of covering this issue, without holding back the facts.

I have struggled with my weight in the past, and needed to make some serious life changes.

If anyone bashes overweight folks here, I don't agree with that approach. I hope somehow I've encouraged you to take a step in the right direction.

God Bless...NFS

I just get annoyed at others judging others. Everyone has issues in their life somewhere... none are perfect...yet.

I have been eating extremely healthy foods for over a year now... I exercise and try to stay healthy. I am in the right direction...because I just want to be healthy.

see.. if you have a person suffering from COPD, you know that they probably smoked at some point in their life.... however, they can have the disease and not be a smoker.

You can have someone who is single and pregnant who doesn't have sex outside of marriage anymore....but they are still pregnant.... or someone can have a sexually transmitted disease, but no longer be sexually promiscuous.

someone could have cirrosis of the liver, but no longer drink, or never was a problem.

Just because someone is overweight does not mean they are unhealthy or that they are current overeaters... they could have been in the past, and they could have changed their habits... but still dealing with excess weight.

I have lost over 50lbs in the last several years... but then I started maintaining the current weight. So... when I am judged because of my weight, it annoys me.... especially when someone wants to say it is linked to my salvation.

[NotforSale]

Originally Posted by ForeverBlessed

I just get annoyed at others judging others. Everyone has issues in their life somewhere... none are perfect...yet.

I have been eating extremely healthy foods for over a year now... I exercise and try to stay healthy. I am in the right direction...because I just want to be healthy.

see.. if you have a person suffering from COPD, you know that they probably smoked at some point in their life.... however, they can have the disease and not be a smoker.

You can have someone who is single and pregnant who doesn't have sex outside of marriage anymore....but they are still pregnant.... or someone can have a sexually transmitted disease, but no longer be sexually promiscuous.

someone could have cirrosis of the liver, but no longer drink, or never was a problem.

Just because someone is overweight does not mean they are unhealthy or that they are current overeaters... they could have been in the past, and they could have changed their habits... but still dealing with excess weight.

I have lost over 50lbs in the last several years... but then I started maintaining the current weight. So... when I am judged because of my weight, it annoys me.... especially when someone wants to say it is linked to my salvation.

I do hope you took a few moments to check that program out. Katie Couric did a good job of narrating.

In our cycling group, we have a woman who has lost 150 lbs. I love her! I always encourage her, and help push her to that next level. She inspires all of us who ride a million miles every year. My best buddy who I ride with has lost over 50 lbs! He is now doing Ironmans, if you can believe that! His doctors told him, change or die. He is 45 years old.

What you're doing will inspire others, and people will change because you've shouldered the plow. Slow change is powerful. After a few years, you will be amazed at not only your progress, but that you've altered your habits for life.

Keep it up!!

[*AQuietPlace*]

I think it's very noteworthy that the Bible doesn't condemn obesity. It's condemns gluttony.

Because, as Lisa pointed out, there are a lot of factors involved in obesity. You can't look at an obese person and know the whole story.

See someone coming back from the buffet with a full plate for the fifth time, you pretty much know the whole story there. That's gluttony.

[NotforSale]

Originally Posted by *AQuietPlace*

I think it's very noteworthy that the Bible doesn't condemn obesity. It's condemns gluttony.

Because, as Lisa pointed out, there are a lot of factors involved in obesity. You can't look at an obese person and know the whole story.

See someone coming back from the buffet with a full plate for the fifth time, you pretty much know the whole story there. That's gluttony.

If you have a moment, please watch this. Thanks.........

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tM-rZ...layer_embedded