Weight Loss

I was watching "The Biggest Loser" on USA Network, which is a reality show about who can lose the most weight in a few weeks. They used a weird combination of encouragement, guidance, competition, and public humiliation to motivate people.

And then at the commercial break: Pizza Hut's new, 30% larger Extra Large Pizza.

It's probably old news that America has a weight problem, but I this helps point out why:

1. The weight loss approach is: fix-it-quick/instant results that can actually hurt the body and make it harder to keep weight off in the long term
2. The competitors don't usually move around very much. Sometimes I think suburbia in particular is structured to prevent any physical exertion.
3. Advertising works! It has made consumption into one of our national pasttimes. That includes eating.

Why is this a spiritual issue? Because God created our bodies and loves them. Our bodies are part of who we are, not something to fight, manipulate or abuse. God loves us--we should love ourselves.

One scene stood out for me: A woman was on the verge of tears over calorie counting, and the way she was crying I knew she had low blood sugar. I felt bad for her and wanted someone to get her a glass of orange juice. But of course no-one did. She had to keep on suffering and punishing her body.

So what are my suggestions for people trying to lose weight?
1. Trust in God's love. No matter what our bodies look like, we are children of God and deeply loved.
2. Trust your body. When you're hungry, eat. When you're full, stop. Your body knows what it needs. Let it tell you.
3. Enjoy your body. It is a gift from God to you. Enjoy your senses, enjoy the freedom of movement, enjoy being outside, enjoy time playing sports. If your body can do these things for you, then you have been richly blessed. Enjoy the gifts that your body gives you.