Is God Fat Too?

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (http://www.cdc.gov/), American society has become “obesogenic.” In other words, we’re fat and getting fatter.

The majority of people in this country profess themselves to be Christians yet this same majority is also overweight or obese which is completely contrary to 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: “…do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”

This also begs the question that if “God created man in his own image, in the image of God created him; male and female created he them,” (Genesis 1:27), what then is the image of man – of male and female – that truly represents God? Has that image changed or has it always been the same? Or, has God changed his image to accommodate our growing obesity?

There are abundant other references to fitness in the Bible – and, probably, other non-Christian theological books as well – yet many religious leaders and their followers (the majority of Americans) unerringly adhere to every other aspect of the Good Book while ignoring any faithfulness whatsoever to maintaining the “temple of God” – the earthly body gifted by God to each and every one of us. What better testimonial to God can there be than to take care of the vessel with which He has gifted us to better serve Him?

There has been a dramatic increase in obesity in the U.S. during the past 20 years. According to the CDC, thirty-two states have an obesity rate of 25% or more, six have a rate of more than 30%, and only one – Colorado – has an obesity prevalence of less than 20%, so we’re all in the same big oversized boat!

We have increased our risk of coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancers (endometrial, breast, and colon), hypertension (high blood pressure), dyslipidemia (for example, high total cholesterol or high levels of triglycerides), stroke, liver and gallbladder disease, sleep apnea and respiratory problems, osteoarthritis, gynecological problems (abnormal menses, infertility), and more. And, what are we doing to our children by our example?

Studies show that obese children and adolescents are more likely to become obese as adults. One study found that approximately 80% of children who were overweight at aged 10–15 years were obese adults at age 25 years. Another study found that 25% of obese adults were overweight as children. The latter study also found that if overweight begins before 8 years of age, obesity in adulthood is likely to be more severe.

Many might say that being overweight or obese is just “God’s Will,” but how can it be God’s Will when we are endowed by God with the common sense and intelligence to do something about it? Not only are we largely bringing these afflictions upon ourselves, but we are dramatically diminishing the quality of our life at the same time. Behavior and environment are the two greatest areas for the prevention and treatment of obesity, and we can control both.

It’s not about vanity. Exercising and leading a healthier lifestyle can significantly improve our health and physical condition to better serve our earthly purpose. With all due respect to what we believe to be the glory of the afterlife, we have a prior obligation here on earth, and it starts with taking care of our physical bodies out of respect for God.

Corinthians 9:27- "But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified."

“Food” for thought. Of course, if God is not a factor – and for many He is not – it’s still a pretty good idea to take care of yourself.