Obesity, defined as excessive body weight or fat accumulation that may impair health, is not directly mentioned in the Bible. However, the Scriptures provide principles related to the stewardship of the body, self-control, and the consequences of gluttony, which can be applied to the topic of obesity.

Biblical Principles and Teachings:

1. Stewardship of the Body:
The Bible teaches that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit and should be treated with respect and care. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 , it is written, "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body." This passage underscores the responsibility of believers to maintain their bodies in a way that honors God.

2. Self-Control:
Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit and is essential in managing one's physical health. Proverbs 25:28 states, "Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control." The lack of self-control can lead to overindulgence, which may result in obesity. Galatians 5:22-23 lists self-control as a virtue: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."

3. Gluttony:
The Bible warns against gluttony, which is often associated with excessive eating and drinking. Proverbs 23:20-21 advises, "Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe them in rags." This warning highlights the potential physical and spiritual consequences of overindulgence.

4. Discipline and Moderation:
Discipline and moderation are encouraged throughout Scripture. Philippians 4:5 says, "Let your gentleness be apparent to all. The Lord is near." While this verse speaks to gentleness, the broader context of moderation in all things is a biblical principle that can be applied to eating habits and lifestyle choices.

5. Consequences of Overindulgence:
The Bible illustrates the negative outcomes of overindulgence through various narratives. For example, in the account of the Israelites in the wilderness, God provided manna, but when they craved more and gathered quail in excess, it led to dire consequences (Numbers 11:31-34). This account serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of succumbing to excessive desires.

Application for Believers:

Believers are called to exercise wisdom and discernment in their lifestyle choices, including diet and physical activity. While the Bible does not explicitly address modern concepts of obesity, the principles of self-control, stewardship, and moderation provide guidance for maintaining a healthy body. By aligning their habits with biblical teachings, Christians can honor God with their bodies and live in a way that reflects their faith.Proverbs 23:20-21
Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh:
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Proverbs 23:2
And put a knife to your throat, if you be a man given to appetite.
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6371. piymah -- (a measure of weight) two-thirds of a shekel ...
... collops. plump Probably from an unused root meaning to be plump; obesity --
collops. 6370, 6371. piymah. 6371a . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/6371.htm - 5k

The Reality of the Resurrection
... life anew because there were differences in stature when first alive, nor that the
lean will be raised lean or the fat come back to life in their former obesity ...
/.../augustine/handbook on faith hope and love/chapter xxiii the reality of.htm

The Programme of the Society
... A fourth case"your most honoured guest: Condition"leisure, health, accomplishments,
means; Disease"Spiritual Obesity; Treatment"talent to be put out to ...
/.../the programme of the society.htm

Acts xvi. 13, 14
... How shall she wound the devil?"And then to whom can such an one be other than a
disgusting spectacle"a man cultivating obesity, dragging himself along like ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxxv acts xvi 13.htm

2 Cor. v. 1
... Considering then all these things, let us think not of the luxurious, but what is
their end; here indeed filth and obesity, there the worm and fire: not of the ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily x 2 cor v.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... them as squat and short in stature, though vigorous, strong-limbed, and with broad
and full shoulders in youth, but as inclined frequently to obesity in old age ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... ethnical names, with representations of a broad-shouldered people of high stature,
slender-figured in youth, but with a fatal tendency to obesity in old age. ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

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