Agnosticism, obesity and self-esteem

Two of the major risk factors for becoming obese according to the Mayo Clinic are poor dietary choices and inactivity.[1] Thus, it appears as if atheists/non-religious are more prone to becoming obese than very religious individuals.[2][3] (photo obtained from Flickr, see license agreement)

According to the Gallup Organization, "Very religious Americans are more likely to practice healthy behaviors than those who are moderately religious or nonreligious."[4]

Gallup further declares:

“  |  Very religious Americans make healthier choices than their moderately religious and nonreligious counterparts across all four of the Healthy Behavior Index metrics, including smoking, healthy eating, and regular exercise. Smoking is one area of particular differentiation between the very religious and less religious Americans, with the nonreligious 85% more likely to be smokers than those who are very religious.[5] |  ”

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Two of the major risk factors for becoming obese according to the Mayo Clinic are poor dietary choices and inactivity, thus it appears as if agnostics/non-religious are more prone to becoming obese than very religious individuals.[6]

Some of the medical conditions associated with obesity include: type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and triglycerides, coronary artery disease (CAD), stroke, arthritis, cancer, sleep apnea, reproductive problems in women and varicose veins.[7][8][9][10] In addition, recent medical research indicates that obesity can impair mental function.[11][12][13]

According to the Mayo Clinic one of the symptoms associated with obesity is depression.[14] Concerning the issue of atheism and depression, atheists do have higher rates of suicide than the general population.

## Agnosticism, obesity and self-esteem[edit]

There are preliminary studies indicating that individuals who reject Christianity in Western cultures have lower self-esteem than the Christian population.[15][16] In addition, obese individuals can have lower self-esteem related to their obesity.[17] In the United States, obese people are often stereotyped as being "lazy, lacking self-discipline and being mentally slow".[18]

## See also[edit]

* Atheism and obesity

## Notes[edit]

1. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/obesity/DS00314/DSECTION=causes
2. ↑ https://www.gallup.com/poll/145379/Religious-Americans-Lead-Healthier-Lives.aspx
3. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/obesity/DS00314/DSECTION=causes
4. ↑ https://www.gallup.com/poll/145379/Religious-Americans-Lead-Healthier-Lives.aspx
5. ↑ https://www.gallup.com/poll/145379/Religious-Americans-Lead-Healthier-Lives.aspx
6. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/obesity/DS00314/DSECTION=causes
7. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/diet/tc/obesity-health-risks-of-obesity
8. ↑ http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/topics/obesity/calltoaction/fact_consequences.htm
9. ↑ http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/obesity
10. ↑ http://stanfordhospital.org/clinicsmedServices/COE/surgicalServices/vascularSurgery/patientEducation/varicose.html
11. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21167850
12. ↑ https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100714112832.htm
13. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/instance/2568718/
14. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/obesity/DS00314/DSECTION=symptoms
15. ↑ http://atheistwatch.blogspot.com/2010/10/rejection-of-christianity-and-self.html
16. ↑ http://atheistwatch.blogspot.com/2010/10/atheists-and-self-esteem-part-2.html
17. ↑ http://www.rcgd.isr.umich.edu/crockerlab/articles/2005_Crocker_Garcia_Self-Esteem_&_Stigma_of_Obesity.pdf
18. ↑ http://www.rcgd.isr.umich.edu/crockerlab/articles/2005_Crocker_Garcia_Self-Esteem_&_Stigma_of_Obesity.pdf