Obesity Wake-up Call: Churches Address Body, In Addition To Soul

This February WDEF News 12 issued an Obesity Wake Up Call...

Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama rank among the fattest states in the nation...and many say that has to change.

But one local church is doing something about it...

This may look like an exercise class at a local gym...but these women are taking the Christian Cardio class at Mt. Canaan Baptist Church.

Exercise Instructor Debbie Houston says, "We're trying to get people moving and get them healthy because we're living for Christ so we should have healthy bodies for Him."

Twice a week these women meet and work up a sweat...It's part support group, part sisterhood, part fight against obesity.

Houston says, "We pray together, we cry together, have fun together...just to keep moving."

Student Shenikia Sturnes says, "We've been having fun. Get exercise class, Debbie is a great instructor...I'm noticing differences."

Sturnes joined this group a year and a half ago as a way to battle the bulge.

The result, improvements in not only the way she feels, but also the way her clothes fit.

Sturnes says, "We have a good time here, close knit family, good church family."

But Mt. Canaan takes it one step further.

Those truly dedicated to finding a healthier life style also need to change their diet.

Nutritionist Kisha Franklin says, "Nutrition teaches people how to eat the correct way, getting their fruits and vegetables."

Franklin says its all about the right balance between healthy eating and exercise.

She says a few dietary changes can help fight not only obesity, but also High Blood Pressure and Diabetes.

These ladies hope this initiative towards wellness can follow them all the way back home.

Houston says, "The church is like the corner stone of the community. Most things start in the church, the church reaches out to the community."

Sturnes says, "Its good to start with us so maybe we can motivate other people and getting them to start exercise."

Houston stresses you must always consult a doctor before starting a diet or exercise program.

Christian Cardio meets every Monday and Thursday at 6:30pm.