Question
Hi Gramps,
I am just going to ask straight up, is being underweight a sin? I think knowing would help me do what I need to do to get better. Thanks.
Niki
Answer
Niki,
When reading the Word of Wisdom, which is referred to as “a principle with a promise,” I always strive to understand what that principle is.
To my understanding, the principle is that we are to maintain our bodies in as good of a condition as possible. Now, of course there will be health issues and appetites to deal with, both in eating too much and eating too little, as you mentioned in your question.
The notion of an ‘ideal weight’ is based upon fairly accepted scientific understanding, however that understanding is still growing and changing as our knowledge expands. Being underweight is not, of itself, a sin any more than being overweight would be. However in both situations we ought to strive to maintain good health through whatever means we can. As far as I’m concerned the actual weight is of no consequence either way, unless it’s to the extreme that it has a negative effect on your health. I’ve known both very thin and very overweight people that were able to lead healthy active lives for many years, so on that front there really is no rule of thumb.
Simply put, so long as you are healthy and fully energetic, whatever your body shape or size may be is not important. Take as good care of your body as possible, and the Lord will bless you accordingly.
Gramps
