We live in a culture that is obsessed with both food and body image. Due to the large amounts of easy access to cheap foods like brownies, cookies, and white bread, yet lack of consistent exercise, our society has become filled with overweight and obese Americans. In fact, overweight and obesity are the most common nutritional disorders in the United States. According to data collected from a national survey, “almost 68% of American adults 20 to 74 years of age were either overweight or obese in 2007 to 2008. Slightly over one third of these persons were overweight and slightly more than one third of them were obese. Between 1988-1994 and 2007-2008, the percentage of overweight adults remained about the same, but the percentage of obese adults
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In fact, in the study Baptists are said to be the most obese out of every denomination. According to Ferraro, Baptists were the most obese denomination due to the “less healthy eating patterns in the South, home to many Baptists. In the study we controlled for residency and still Baptist women were more likely to be obese. This trend could be related to the strong emphasis for Baptists to avoid alcohol and tobacco, and, as a result, many of them indulge in overeating instead. More research is needed to learn how denominations view overeating and obesity.” While this particular reflection mentions the benefits of attending church regularly, including lower blood pressure, it does point out why the study showed the trend of Baptists being the most obese denomination. Many churches put a priority on not giving into earthly desires that harm our bodies, including smoking, drinking, and lustful desires. However, as a result other sins like gluttony often take a front burner as a replacement. While the Bible does discuss gluttony, it seems to be a sin that numerous Christians like to dismiss or ignore. In fact, “gluttony does not receive the same level of pastoral or congregational condemnation in most denomination, perhaps indirectly creating an …show more content…
The success in Christianity curtailing smoking may also inadvertently lead to a higher risk of obesity” (Kim, Sobal, and Wethington 2003). In addition, as discussed, churches also provide a safe haven for those that are struggling and in need for support. Often those who are struggling can turn to food as a stress reliever, and therefore
In fact, in the study Baptists are said to be the most obese out of every denomination. According to Ferraro, Baptists were the most obese denomination due to the “less healthy eating patterns in the South, home to many Baptists. In the study we controlled for residency and still Baptist women were more likely to be obese. This trend could be related to the strong emphasis for Baptists to avoid alcohol and tobacco, and, as a result, many of them indulge in overeating instead. More research is needed to learn how denominations view overeating and obesity.” While this particular reflection mentions the benefits of attending church regularly, including lower blood pressure, it does point out why the study showed the trend of Baptists being the most obese denomination. Many churches put a priority on not giving into earthly desires that harm our bodies, including smoking, drinking, and lustful desires. However, as a result other sins like gluttony often take a front burner as a replacement. While the Bible does discuss gluttony, it seems to be a sin that numerous Christians like to dismiss or ignore. In fact, “gluttony does not receive the same level of pastoral or congregational condemnation in most denomination, perhaps indirectly creating an …show more content…
The success in Christianity curtailing smoking may also inadvertently lead to a higher risk of obesity” (Kim, Sobal, and Wethington 2003). In addition, as discussed, churches also provide a safe haven for those that are struggling and in need for support. Often those who are struggling can turn to food as a stress reliever, and therefore