A spate of headlines last month reported on a Northwestern medical research study that linked obesity and church attendance. Medical researchers are on to something but exactly what is open for debate.
TIME magazine did not present the report in the most positive light with their headline, “Why Going to Church Can Make You Fat.” At least the story acknowledged that going to church can be linked to many positive outcomes.
A year ago we reported on local Madison-area churches working together to help people lose weight in the Million Pound Challenge: “The idea is simple: for every pound of weight you lose, the Princeton Clubs, and corporate sponsors, will contribute 10 pounds of food, to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Southern Wisconsin, up to one million pounds. That’s 500 tons of food!”
This year the challenge continues.
Although the church participation does not seem to be as significant, there are still churches involved. Nonetheless, the goal to raise money for the Second Harvest Food Bank is still a worthy goal.
The Northwestern study senior study author Dr. Donald Lloyd-Jones points out,”Obesity is the major epidemic that is facing the U.S. population right now.” The apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians that our body is a temple to the Holy Spirit, suggesting that we should take care of our bodies and live healthily.
The ABC News report on the Northwestern study did observe that this and other studies “didn’t necessarily find an association between religiosity and negative health outcomes, such as markers of cardiovascular disease. Indeed, several studies link faith to an increased lifespan, more positive mood, and avoidance of unhealthy behaviors like drinking and smoking.” The story also noted the success of some faith-based diet and exercise programs.