Some “Church Peoples” View of Being Overweight

The Church has always been a very influential social structure in the African American Community. However, with regards to issues of health, some feel that the Church has not been very helpful and has even hindered the progress by not being forth coming about Lifestyle Issues such as HIV/AIDS and Obesity. There are some programs sponsored by churches that address these issues in a limited fashion but more needs to be done. The Church can help educate people about evidence-based medicine that provides our community with solid information. After all, as a race of people, we die too soon from the lack of information and are less willing to change our lifestyle. It is difficult but necessary that the Church discusses health care issues in a straightforward manner, even if it goes against long held mores in the African American community as acceptable. Eating too much, eating the wrong kinds of food, and not exercising regularly leads to obesity.

Some “Church Peoples” hold certain customs or traditions as near sacred. I have had several “Church Peoples” who I have encouraged to lose weight tell me how other Church folk look at them as being sick when they lose 10 to 20 pounds. Ministers, in particular, tell me that their congregation finds them unhealthy looking when they lose weight. From my personal experience working within my own church, encouraging a healthy mindset is a challenge.

I am Dr. Thaddeus John Bell--- Closing the Gap in Health Disparities for African Americans.

Bell Update Volume 3, Chapter 2
Copyright January 2008