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Mar 25th, 2025
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Joined: Feb 2005
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What do you think of the following statement: "If fasting (e.g., during Lent) causes a fair amount of weight loss, then you're probably doing something wrong." Do you agree or disagree? Why?
Thank you!
Peace,
Alex NvV
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Joined: Jul 2003
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It might say something to worry about in the one who utters such a statement that they dont understand the penetential aspect of the fasting occasions in the year.
Of course we always have the few who go overboard.
I saw an article no so long ago that it has been noted how many Moslems actually put on weight in Ramadan due to the orgie of eating that has become the norm in a number of places around the world in the night hours.
ICXC
NIKA
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Catholic Gyoza Member
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Alex NvV,
I think that is an unfair statement, that one is doing something wrong during fasting is only something one's spiritual director can tell a person.
If a person does lose weight, especially a fair amount of it, it could be that since he is abstaining from foods that add nothing but fat, such as junk food, that the person is actually finally doing something good for his body. Not that the Great Fast is the newest old diet to be put on the shelves at Borders Books and Barnes and Noble. But naturally, if one is following the Great Fast to the letter that person is going to drop weight, especially for the first time.
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I only average the loss of 10lbs during the Great Fast, but then again it only takes a week afterwards to get it back.
Stephanos I
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Dear Fr. Stephanos, Many people gain weight during the Fast due to increased oil consumption, fried food consumption, and starch consumption, so consider yourself one of the lucky ones!  Speaking of food that will expand your waistline, I told my priest about McDonald's in Greece and its special ads promoting 'McSarakosti' (sarakosti in modern Greek is the word for Lent) with fasting foods such as spring rolls, fried shrimp and vegetable nuggets. He thought that was hilarious! Who would have ever thought.....!!!  Kissig your right hand, In Christ, Alice
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Joined: Feb 2005
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Thank you for your helpful comments.
Of course, I agree that weight gain due to fasting goes against the spirit of the fast.
When I referred to weight loss, though, I wasn't talking about healthy weight loss as a beneficial side effect of fasting, but rather worrisome weight loss that may be unhealthy. (I'm not a particularly heavy person myself; when I lose weight, it can take me months to regain it, and I have to make a conscious effort.)
I suppose the best answer is simply, "Find a spiritual director and talk it over with him or her." It's hard to find a spiritual director (among the Latins, at least) these days who takes fasting seriously...
Thank you!
Peace,
Alex
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