the london evening standard has a column entitled “no shit, sherlock!”. i guess this belongs there.
He analyzed the religious practices and body mass index, often referred to as BMI, of more than 2,500 people during an eight-year period from 1986 to 1994. He found that the use of religious media resources, such as television, books or radio, was a strong predictor of obesity among women. The incidence of obesity increased by 14 percent for this group. At the same time, the more often women attended religious services, the less likely they were to be obese.
Men were less likely to be obese if they sought counseling and comforting through religious sources, Ferraro says.
oh wait, this is good:
To counter these effects, religious fellowship should encourage physical activity and healthy eating, Ferraro says. He suggests organized walks with the pastor after services and serving fruit and vegetables instead of heavy casseroles. Churches’ large rooms or halls also could be used for fitness classes.
ah, yes.
“Most religions also encourage restraint from participating in injurious behaviors, such as heavy drinking and smoking,” Ferraro says. “However, overeating is not considered a great sin — it has become the accepted vice.”
Many religious activities are rooted in food. From the donut hour after weekly services to receptions or picnics, these foods tend to be high in fat.
oh god, ok, i gotta stop now.
