Is weight loss a matter of obedience?
Spiritual focus comes to dieting
By
Jane Harris Schultchen
Special to ChristianWeek
"When God asks you to do something, you need to do it," says Leslie Williams. The Winnipeg psychiatrist is a veteran of several weight control programs–including Overeaters Anonymous, Faith In Action and Weigh Down Workshops.
Williams, who is quick to admit many of her peers do not share her views on weight control, believes obedience to God is key to maintaining a healthy weight. She adds that the focus of Christian weight-control programs differs dramatically from that of secular programs. "The big difference would be relying on the Lord, being focused on Jesus, being attuned to him as well as to your own body."
Williams gained much of her understanding of weight control and eating disorders from personal experience. After losing a baby several years ago, she developed bulimia. The experience led her to join Overeaters Anonymous, a 12-step program that deals with food addiction.
Overeaters Anonymous is not, strictly speaking, a Christian weight-loss program, but it does recognize the necessity to turn food addictions over to a higher power. Williams’s own experience in Overeaters Anonymous led her to become "born again," and she still believes the 12-step approach is effective for both Christians and non-Christians.
