BGEA: Does the Bible say anything about obesity? I know I'm seriously overweight, but I don't seem to be making much progress.

Does the Bible say anything about obesity? I know I'm seriously overweight and my doctor is constantly after me to do something about it, but I don't seem to be making much progress. Maybe I'd take him more seriously if I really thought God wanted me to change. — G.P.

Let me assure you that God does want you to change—not just so you'll feel better about yourself, but because He loves you, and He doesn't want you to be burdened with the serious health problems that usually accompany this condition.

This is why I hope you will take your doctor's warnings seriously and begin to heed his advice. He knows far better than I do what could happen if you keep ignoring this; he has seen it happen to others. If he has given you a suggested program of diet and exercise, put it into action. The Bible bluntly says, "Put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony"—in other words, avoid overeating at all costs (Proverbs 23:2).

Be patient and don't get discouraged; it probably took you years to get into your present condition, and it may take time to see results. The Bible says, "A man's wisdom gives him patience" (Proverbs 19:11). Make a shopping list also and be disciplined when you buy food; avoid buying anything on impulse. Once something is in your freezer or on the kitchen shelf, it's probably going to get eaten.

Most of all, open your heart and life to Christ, and make it your goal to put Him first in your life. Yes, your physical health is important—but even more important is your spiritual health. Give your life to Christ today.

7 Comments

Morgan says 3.23.2013, 1:51 p.m.

Jonathan, its not the fats that are hurting most people. Fats are important in one's diet. Without fats, you will end up unhealthy. Your skin will become dry, and your hair brittle. It is sugar that is the problem. Sugar and simple starches.

Jonathon says 3.20.2013, 7:48 p.m.

God has created our bodies perfectly to run perfectly on the perfect fuels he created. You have to change your thinking about food. Period. Primarily, it is fuel. You wouldn't put mud in your car's tank. Sugar and fat is mud in the fuel tank.

Natalya says 7.12.2012, 3:36 p.m.

There is one very important component that we need to address and that is the voice and darts and accusations of the devil and his demons. More often than not we think that we say these lies and accusations to ourselves from our own experiences.

Rhonda says 8.17.2011, 10:21 a.m.

Little steps are the key that lead to bigger steps. Cutting back on calories is just half of the solution.Exercise, whether walking around the block, up the stairs, parking out further is the other. Also, I am a believer in substituting one behavior (table time) for another (talking on the phone, reading, craft project). God has given us the ability to change!

Diana says 3.9.2011, 1:11 p.m.

I know that my body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit. I know that gluttony is a sin. I pray to the Father often, asking for help with the overeating. I have tried so hard! I want to feel better, I want to wear fashionable clothes, I want my husband to be pleased with me and think I am attractive again. I have made decisions to loose weight so many times and I always back slide. I am my own worst enemy.

BARBARA says 12.29.2010, 6:58 p.m.

THANK YOU, I HAVE BEEN BATTLING WITH MY WEIGHT FOR A LONG TIME, I WOULD LOSE AND I GAIN IT BACK. I AM BECAME SO DISCOURAGED WITH MY SELF AND I SETTLE WITH BEING WHAT I AM THEN WHO I COULD BE. AFTER READING THE COMMENTS ABOUT GOD'S EXPECTATION OF ME AND THAT MY BODY IS THE TEMPLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT I DECIDED THAT I WILL MAKE A CHANGE. NOT AS A NEW YEARS' RESOLUTION BUT A LIFE CHANGING SOLUTION. THANK YOU AND MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU IN ABUNDANCE.

Carla says 10.11.2010, 09:57 a.m.

Thank you for this. I have been over-weight all my life. After much prayer and thought, I have decided to go through surgery for weight loss. I am at peace with my decision and I pray that this will help me to be able to do more to serve my Lord and Savior.