Study Shows Orthodox Jews Less Impacted by Stress-Related Weight Gain

A study just published in the Journal of Religion and Health shows that maintaining a religiously based or faith-based lifestyle provides protection against stress-related weight gain. Because following one’s faith necessitates self-regulation and self-control, religious individuals may be more inclined to control what one eats, including limiting snacking, even in the face of crisis. Titled “Covid-19, Religious Coping and Weight Change in the Orthodox Jewish Community,” the study found that those with more intrinsic religiosity had less impact to their weight change due to stress, as well as an inference that “religiosity may promote better health in the face of overwhelming crises, such as COVID-19.” Additionally, a religious Jewish lifestyle may generally lessen the “impact of stress, trauma, and even physical pain.” Read more here.

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