There's a new term out there promoting health and wellness -- faith-based fitness. Considering how many Americans are plugged into their chosen house of worship across this country, this term holds real promise in addressing the 72 million facing obesity today.

The founder of Bod4God, Reverend Steve Reynolds, says, "Jesus Christ was not obese." Reynolds founded Bod4God as a sermon in 2006 after congregants wondered how he trimmed 70 pounds off his 340-pound frame. He's now even trimmer, down 108 pounds. Reynolds leans on his Christian faith for motivation to let go of junk food and keep exercising. Three-hundred people lost 2,000 pounds with Bod4God last year, and a dozen more churches across four states will be starting the program.

Other faith-based weight loss/exercise programs are lightening the load of congregants nationwide -- Weigh Down and First Place incorporate biblical teachings to inspire healthier lifestyles. FYI, all these program do cost some money. Clinical studies of congregations reveal faith-based programs are effective, but the ability to facilitate permanent weight loss is still in question. I like the idea of folding health and wellness into faith -- it can cultivate a powerful new inspiration to change habits for a lifetime.

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