Some Christians believe women should “follow the science” and let the government (CDC, NIH) determine their proper weight. Others believe that women should weigh whatever makes them feel good about themselves. But what does the Bible teach? What biblical principles should guide a Christian woman in her weight loss journey?
The Bible says in Ephesians 5:24 (KJV) “Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing”. And “every thing” includes how much a woman weighs.
Since God has given the husband complete control over his wife, including her body, what considerations then should guide the husband in determining the right weight for his wife? The answer is that her duties should determine her weight.
The three primary duties of a wife are to bear children (1 Timothy 5:14), keep her home (Titus 2:5) and bring sexual pleasure to her husband (Proverbs 5:18-19). And all of these duties are to be done in complete submission to her husband.
A woman’s fertility can be hindered by a body fat percentage that is too high or too low. Also, her ability to care for her home and her children may be impacted by a body fat percentage that is too high or too low. These are two important considerations for husbands.
After considering impacts to her fertility as well as her duties to care for their home and their children there is another very important consideration a man must take into account. What weight on his wife most sexually intoxicates him? (Proverbs 5:18-19)
Some men prefer large breasts, large hips and large rear ends on their wives. And this combination often requires these women to have a higher body fat percentage. Other men prefer a smaller fit build with small breasts, small hips and small rear ends on their wives.
All women gain weight as a result of their pregnancies. The question of them returning to their pre-pregnancy weight is completely up to the husband. Does he like her post pregnancy body better or does he want her to lose the weight? The choice is his.
The four biblical principles that determine a Christian wife’s proper weight are as follows:
1. God wants wives to submit to their husbands.
2. God wants wives to have children.
3. God wants wives to be homemakers.
4. God wants wives to be sexually pleasing to their husbands.
If you as a woman are fulfilling all these tasks which God has given you with the weight you are at, then you have a healthy weight in the eyes of God.
In the final part of this series, we will discuss the scenario of a fat husband expecting his wife to remain fit
Biblical Gender Roles 
Another great read! I was raised with the mantra that my body is part of how my life reflects God and must therefore be perfect, which has never led to healthy choices or a healthy mindset.
I don’t think I have ever seen bodyweight/fitness reframed in this way, and it is so helpful – I am fascinated to have a conversation with my husband and see what his opinion is. I don’t think it had ever occurred to me before that I view my body (and body image) as being very separate from him.
Charlotte,
I am glad this was a blessing to you.
Larry
Biblically sound information, but still such a hard sell in modern times, even to christian women! Always willing to “submit to God” except when submitting to their husbands is involved. Very sad indeed.
Living in the UAE there is a HUGE emphasis on physical fitness. I recently returned to the USA to visit family thru the Christmas holidays and was truly shocked at some of the sizes I’ve seen of “average” citizens.
Simply put, I have a bachelors in Health Science and have been a trainer for over 7 years (albeit with an emphasis on competitive bodybuilding). I say this to issue a word of caution to men who desire for their wives to lose weight. The INDIVIDUAL who is losing the weight has to be the one motivated for results. Yes wives should submit to their husband’s will on this, but all too often I have seen people (even some wives I have trained) simply give up and go through the motions when they realize how hard it can be and the sacrifices necessary to achieve it.
BGR, how would a husband go about counseling a wife who is “obeying” her husband’s request for exercise but isn’t taking the task seriously enough to actually see results?