Need to lose weight? Say a prayer

by Martha Edwards (Subscribe to Martha Edwards's posts)
Jul 4th 2007 8:34PM

Categories: Diet & Weight Loss, Motivation

Need to drop those excess pounds? Forget about fad diets -- find God. According to the Weigh Down Diet, ice cream and fast food can be replaced with the Almighty himself, because over-eating isn't about food and hunger -- it's a deeper longing for spiritual guidance.

And apparently the approach works -- One women dropped an amazing 150 lbs by letting God into her life. What's more, apparently more than a million people have benefited from the program created by Gwen Shamblin.

Being somewhat of an athiest, I'm not sure I buy it. What do you think?

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Comments (7)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

J3 7-04-2007 @ 10:46PM

It could have to do with the fundamental ideals of self-control that many religions rely upon...

lauren jones 7-04-2007 @ 11:10PM

how can you be "somewhat of an athiest"? that is like being a little bit pregnant. Oh and you "aren't sure if you buy it". "Apparently over a million people have benefited by it." Either they did or they didn't, which is it? Do you have an opinion or are you looking for someone to give you one. Don't be afraid to "Step out in Faith and just blurt out what you want to say" you have nothing to prove or anyone to answer to, except uhumm, GOD. Apparently, you are a little, if not somewhat afraid to denounce the "Higher Authority". Sad for you, however, thanks for the tip, I "Believe" I will try it.
Jonesway

Chris 7-04-2007 @ 11:09PM

I apologize for my fellow human, who apparently hasn't read the Bible, nor has taken to heart the humility that Jesus was famous for preaching.

Great blog.. I don't often post, but I read often.

BTW, I'm with the first poster. This sounds a lot like people are finding strength through objectivity.. by stepping outside themselves to make better choices. I also doubt that "millions" have been helped.. that's a very high number for a diet plan with only 23,000 Google hits.

Martha 7-04-2007 @ 11:24PM

Hi guys,
Thanks for your feedback.

To Lauren: I don't feel that this is the appropriate forum to discuss religious beliefs, so I'll just say that by 'somewhat of an Ahtiest', I mean that I have beliefs in a high power but they don't involve the conventional god that you believe in. I'm not looking for anyone to 'give me' an opinion. And I say 'apparently' because I have no proof that over a million have benefited from it; that's only what the program's creator has said

croman761 7-05-2007 @ 10:31AM

Martha, you certainly did bring up God and religious beliefs by this entry. I don't think Lauren was out of line. Perhaps a better description would be agnostic vs. atheist. I participate in prayer and worship to be fulfilled and have lost 24 pounds as a result. While not part of the "Weigh Down" program, it is clear that since I have chosen God versus the next cookie, that I am losing weight. My best friend however has chosen to do the weigh down method directly and has lost 120 pounds. Go figure.

Mary 7-05-2007 @ 10:31AM

I'll believe it when there is evidence of the peer reviewed variety. Until then.... it seems unlikely. And what if you end up losing your faith? lol.

Martha 7-05-2007 @ 2:57PM

Hi Croman,
With all due respect, I have to disagree. The topic of this post is using faith as a weight-loss tool, not my personal beliefs, and since I haven't tried to impose my beliefs on others, I would expect the same from readers. But you are right -- perhaps I should label myself as agnostic instead of atheist.
Thanks for sharing your experience and thoughts!