Changes

[[File:11834504 3cc3c49559.jpg|186px|right|thumbnail|Two of the major risk factors for becoming [[obesity|obese]] according to the [[Mayo Clinic]] are poor dietary choices and inactivity.<ref>[http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/obesity/DS00314/DSECTION=causes Causes of obesity]</ref> According to the [[Gallup poll|Gallup Inc.]], "Very religious Americans are more likely to practice healthy behaviors than those who are moderately religious or nonreligious."<ref>[http://www.gallup.com/poll/145379/Religious-Americans-Lead-Healthier-Lives.aspxVery Religious Americans Lead Healthier Lives], Gallup Poll, 2010</ref> ]]The current [[atheist population]] mostly resides in [[East Asia]] (particularly [[China]]) and in [[secular Europe]]/[[Australia]] primarily among whites.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/05/23/a-surprising-map-of-where-the-worlds-atheists-live/ A surprising map of where the world’s atheists live], By Max Fisher and Caitlin Dewey, ''Washington Post'', May 23, 2013</ref> Most [[atheism|atheists]] are [[East Asia]]ns (see: [[Asian atheism]]). See: [[Global atheism]] and [[Western atheism and race]]

According to the Secular Europe and communist [[Gallup poll|Gallup Inc.China]], "Very religious Americans are more likely to practice healthy behaviors than those who are moderately religious or nonreligious."<ref>httphave significant problems with obesity (see://www[[Secular Europe and obesity]] and [[China and obesity]]).gallup.com/poll/145379/Religious-Americans-Lead-Healthier-LivesIn addition, [[Australia]] has a significant problem with obesity (see: [[Australia, irreligion and obesity]]).aspx</ref>

Gallup declared concerning In the study which measured the degree to which religiosity affects health practices: "[[Generalized linear modelUnited States]] analysis was used to estimate marginal scores all five reported metrics after controlling for age (in years)at the present time, gender, race/ethnicity, marital status, education (number of years), log of income, and region of the country... Results are based on telephone interviews conducted as part greater the degree of the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index survey Jan. 2-July 28, 2010, with irreligiosity in a random sample of 554generation,066 adults, aged 18 the [[Atheism and olderobesity#Irreligion/religion, living generations in all 50 U.S. states the United States and the District of Columbia, selected using random-digit-dial samplingobesity|higher their obesity rate is]]."<ref>http://www.gallup.com/poll/145379/Religious-Americans-Lead-Healthier-Lives.aspx</ref>

According to the [[Gallup poll|Gallup Inc.]], "Very religious Americans are more likely to practice healthy behaviors than those who are moderately religious or nonreligious."<ref>[http://www.gallup.com/poll/145379/Religious-Americans-Lead-Healthier-Lives.aspx Very Religious Americans Lead Healthier Lives], Gallup Poll, 2010</ref>  Gallup declared concerning the study which measured the degree to which religiosity affects health practices: "[[Generalized linear model]] analysis was used to estimate marginal scores all five reported metrics after controlling for age (in years), gender, race/ethnicity, marital status, education (number of years), log of income, and region of the country... Results are based on telephone interviews conducted as part of the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index survey Jan. 2-July 28, 2010, with a random sample of 554,066 adults, aged 18 and older, living in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, selected using random-digit-dial sampling.<ref>[http://www.gallup.com/poll/145379/Religious-Americans-Lead-Healthier-Lives.aspx Very Religious Americans Lead Healthier Lives], Gallup Poll, 2010</ref>  The Gallup study gives some insight into the above average health habits of the very religious and not necessarily the health habits of [[atheism|atheists]]. The reason is that the Gallup organization defines a non-religious as a person where "Religion is not an important part of daily life and church/synagogue/mosque attendance occurs seldom or never. This group constitutes 29.7% of the adult population."<ref>[http://www.gallup.com/poll/145379/Religious-Americans-Lead-Healthier-Lives.aspxVery Religious Americans Lead Healthier Lives], Gallup Poll, 2010</ref> While many [[Western World|Western]] atheists are non-religious, not all non-religious people are atheists.

[[File:Perry DeAngelis.jpg|thumbnail|right|250px|The atheist [[Perry DeAngelis ]] co-hosted the podcast ''Skeptics' Guide to the Universe'', which he helped found.In addition, he served as the executive director of the New England Skeptical Society.<ref>[https://theness.com/neurologicablog/index.php/perry-deangelis-8221963-8192007/ Perry DeAngelis: 8/22/1963 8/19/2007]</ref>

Before his death, he had type 2 diabetes.<ref>[https://www.sgutranscripts.org/wiki/SGU_Episode_110 SGU Episode 110]</ref> He died at the age of 43after enduring a long struggle with several chronic illnesses.<ref>[https://theness.com/neurologicablog/index.php/perry-deangelis-8221963-8192007/ Perry DeAngelis: 8/22/1963 8/19/2007]</ref>]]

Another example of strongly held religious beliefs affecting behavior in terms of the avoidance of sins and health problems is that religious upbringing and culture [[Religious Upbringing and Culture Affects Rates of Homosexuality|affects rates of homosexuality]] and there are a [[homosexuality and health|number of diseases]] which homosexuals have higher incidences of. For example, homosexuality is rare among [[Orthodox Jews]] and even the [[liberal]] researcher [[Alfred Kinsey]] noted the rarity of homosexuality within the Orthodox Jewish community.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110724194215/http://www.mygenes.co.nz/PDFs/Ch6.pdfWhat do different cultures tell us about homosexuality?]</ref> Therefore, it is not surprising that many very religious Christians and other religious groups which incorporate healthy beliefs and practices within their religion would leave healthier lives.

[[Image:Mayo-clinic-gondaoverview.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The prestigious [[Mayo Clinic]] found that that religious involvement and spirituality are associated with better physical health, mental health, health-related quality of life and other health outcomes.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20111219062609/http://www.mayoclinicproceedings.com/content/76/12/1225.full.pdfReligious Involvement, Spirituality, and Medicine: Implications for Clinical Practice]</ref>]]

*[https://web.archive.org/web/20111219062609/http://www.mayoclinicproceedings.com/content/76/12/1225.full.pdf Religious Involvement, Spirituality, and Medicine: Implications for Clinical Practice - Mayo Clinic]

The authors report a majority of the nearly 350 studies of physical health and 850 studies of mental health that have used religious and spiritual variables have found that religious involvement and spirituality are associated with better health outcomes.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20111219062609/http://www.mayoclinicproceedings.com/content/76/12/1225.full.pdfReligious Involvement, Spirituality, and Medicine: Implications for Clinical Practice]</ref>}}

 ''See also:'' [[United Kingdom and obesity]] [[File:Union jack.jpg|right|thumbnail|200px220px|In May of 2014, the British paper ''The Mirror'' reported that according to the [[Britain|British]] medical journal ''Lancet'', British girls are the most overweight girls in [[Western Europe]].<ref>[http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/technology-science/science/british-girls-fattest-western-europe-3620185 British girls are FATTEST in western Europe claims alarming new research by The Lancet], ''Mirror'', Ben Burrows, May 29, 2014 10:52</ref> ]] A Eurobarometer poll in 2010 reported that 37% of UK citizens "believed there is a God", 33% believe there is "some sort of spirit or life force" and 25% answered "I don't believe there is any sort of spirit, God or life force".<ref>[http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_341_en.pdf Special Eurobarometer, biotechnology, p. 204"]. Fieldwork: Jan-Feb 2010.</ref> In 2014, ''The Telegraph'' reported:{{Cquote|The [[Britain|British]] are among the most sceptical in the world about religion, a global study has found. Just over a third of people in the UK believe religion has a positive role to play in our daily lives, compared to a global average of 59 per cent.<ref>[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/10771044/UK-among-most-sceptical-in-world-about-religion.html UK among most sceptical in world about religion], ''The Telegraph'', 2014</ref>}} Professor Terence Stephenson in Measuring Up, a report on the nation's obesity crisis by the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AoMRC), called Britain "the fat man of Europe".<ref>*[http://fsd.barnsley.gov.uk/kb5/barnsley/fisd/advice.page?id=7C5K4ztf64o Britain: 'the fat man of Europe']*[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/news/9876557/Obesity-crisis-risks-making-Britain-fat-man-of-Europe-warns-report.htmlmObesity crisis risks making Britain 'fat man of Europe', warns report], The Telegraph, 18 Feb 2013*[https://web.archive.org/web/20140321165709/http://www.aomrc.org.uk/general-news/doctors-unite-to-deliver-prescription-for-uk-obesity-epidemic.html Measuring up: Doctors Unite to deliver 'prescription' for UK Obesity epidemic], Academy of Medical Royal Colleges</ref>  In May 2014, the British paper ''The Mirror'' reported that according to the British medical journal ''Lancet'', British girls are the most overweight girls in Western Europe.<ref>[http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/technology-science/science/british-girls-fattest-western-europe-3620185 British girls are FATTEST in western Europe claims alarming new research by The Lancet], ''Mirror'', Ben Burrows, May 29, 2014 10:52</ref> In Britain, 29.2% of girls under the age of 20 are classed as excessively heavy with just over 8% meeting the clinical definition of obesity.<ref>[http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/technology-science/science/british-girls-fattest-western-europe-3620185 British girls are FATTEST in western Europe claims alarming new research by The Lancet], ''Mirror'', Ben Burrows, May 29, 2014 10:52</ref> 

*[https://web.archive.org/web/20130509011003/https://www.pbc.org/system/message_files/6388/4508.html The Corinthian Crises]

[[Jen McCreight]], is an atheist and feminist columnist and blogger who has served on the Board of Directors of the Secular Student Alliance and she was also the cofounder and three-year president of Society of Non-Theists at [[Purdue University]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20100210181302/http://www.blaghag.com/p/about.html About Jen McCreight]</ref><ref>[http://www.womeninsecularism.org/2012/speakers.html Women in Secularism]</ref> She wrote an article on atheism and obesity in 2011 where she indicated a desire to "shed a few pounds".<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110222030743/http://www.blaghag.com/2011/01/those-fatty-mcfatfat-atheists.html Those fatty McFatFat atheists! by Jen McCreight]</ref> In 2011, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2W33p11MHCw a video] with Jen McCreight was published as part of the [[We Are Atheism]] campaign. In this video, she was overweight.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2W33p11MHCw Jen McCreight - We Are Atheism]</ref>

*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110222030743/http://www.blaghag.com/2011/01/those-fatty-mcfatfat-atheists.html Those fatty McFatFat atheists! by Jen McCreight]

*[httphttps://www.latimes.com/la-op-dustup21sep21-story.html#page=1 Culture matters in the obesity debate]

== American Atheists organization Ireland, irreligion and obesity ==[[File:Matt Dillahunty.jpg|thumbnail|200px|right|As of July 9. 2016, [[Matt Dillahunty]] was on the board of directors for the [[American Atheists]] organization. ]]

''See also:'' [[American Atheists Ireland, irreligion and obesity]] and [[Atheist hypocrisy]]

On December 28, 2010, the pictures of the members of the American Atheists organizationA few years before O'Hair's board of directors showed a significant portion of its members having excess body weight. Members of murder, she had to have hip replacement surgery (According to the American Atheists board of directors who were overweight as of December 28, 2010 included: [[Richard AndrewsHarvard University|Harvard]]Medical school, [[Blair Scott]]"Losing weight, [[Monty Gaither]]strengthening muscles, and [[Ann Zindler]]increasing flexibility may help you stave off joint replacement. A picture of an overweight Richard Andrews can be found "<ref>[httphttps://nowscapewww.com/atheism/atheist_peoplehealth.htm HERE]harvard. Pictures of an overweight Blair Scott can be found [http:edu/pain/www.flickr.com/photos/martystone/3434523308/in/setavoiding-72157616571667951knee-or-hip-surgery Harvard Health Letter, Avoiding knee or hip surgery, Published: June, 2013 by the Harvard Medical Center</ HERE] and ref>).<ref>[httphttps://www.atheistsdeseretnews.orgcom/imagearticle/about821759/BlairScottBone-find-may-solve-OHair-case.jpg HEREhtml Bone find may solve O'Hair case]. A picture of an overweight Monty Gaither can be found [http, ''Associated Press'', Published:January 29, 2001, republished by Deseret News<//wwwref> Interestingly, it was her artificial hip that allowed law enforcement authorities to identify her remains.atheists.org/image/about/MontyGaither.jpg HERE]. A picture of an overweight Ann Zindler can be found <ref>[httphttps://www.freethoughtnationdeseretnews.com/imagesarticle/stories821759/annzindler1Bone-find-may-solve-OHair-case.jpg HEREhtml Bone find may solve O'Hair case]., ''Associated Press'', Published: January 29, 2001, republished by Deseret News</ref>

On August 11. 2013December 28, 2010, the pictures of the members of the American Atheists organization's board of directors showed a new overweight member significant portion of their its members having excess body weight. Members of the American Atheists board of directors was listed - namelywho were overweight as of December 28, 2010 included: [[Richard Andrews]], [[Jamila BeyBlair Scott]], [[Monty Gaither]], and [[Ann Zindler]]. A video picture of an overweight Jamila Bey Richard Andrews can be seen found [http://nowscape.com/atheism/atheist_people.htm HERE]. Pictures of an overweight Blair Scott can be found [http://www.youtubeflickr.com/watch?v=uekUG0CDsphotos/martystone/3434523308/in/set-w 72157616571667951/ HERE] and [https://web.archive.org/web/20130910195522/http://www.atheists.org/image/about/BlairScott.jpg HERE]. A picture of an overweight Monty Gaither can be found [https://web.archive.org/web/20130910192801/http://www.atheists.org/image/about/MontyGaither.jpg HERE]. A picture of an overweight Ann Zindler can be found [https://web.archive.org/web/20131227070206/http://www.freethoughtnation.com/images/stories/annzindler1.jpg HERE].

On July 9, 2016, [[Matt Dillahunty]] was on the Board Research suggests that extra pounds and large waists undermine perceptions of Directors for the American Atheists organizationleadership ability. Pictures of an overweight Matt Dillahunty can be found <ref>[https://wwwweb.flickrarchive.comorg/photosweb/revupreview20131109005401/17492637685/in/photolist-qDuETP-nSad6y-s4prdT-bRX8Ee-skRGvK-skP8pz-nRb5mu-9sjevP-9BLiun-sqSqDZ-qfFatU-s4pkVP-rtMpz6-8JQY3T-8JQY3a-sDJUYc-s7zfuD-sDLkKt-vvp7YU-rp3NWr-skFZf3-sjRNWN-sBrsGA-rqb3u9-KEwCy-s4g9Jf-btf8J7-sBrgu5-rGKCTY-cV9RtL-sn7xQt-s3R4WX-sDJY2X-smZr9h-snbnis-s5B4po-sniAfV-rGKA5w-s5zBCf-sn8VBx-rGX8QT-sn9V1e-sn9Y8B-sjRPp1-sngXqp-s3R58t-sn9TXC-rq9AHw-sDHg6R-sn9UNR HERE] and [http://wwwonline.conservapediawsj.com/Filenews/articles/SB10001424127887324595704578241573341483946 Want to Be CEO? What's Your BMI?]</ref> In addition, according to [[medical science]], there are a number of health risks associated with obesity (see:Matt_Dillahunty.jpg HERE[[Health risks linked to obesity]]).

== Matt Dillahunty: Atheist activist and member of the Board of Directors of the American Atheists organization ==[[File:Matt Dillahunty.jpg|thumbnail|200px|right|As of February 25, 2019, [[Matt Dillahunty]] is on the Board of Directors for the [[American Atheists]] organization. He was elected in 2015.<ref>[https://www.atheists.org/about/board/ American Atheists - Board of Directors, Retreived 2-25-2019</ref>]][[Wikipedia]], a website founded by an atheist and [[agnosticism|agnostic]], declares concerning [[Matt Dillahunty]]:{{Cquote|Matthew Wade Dillahunty (born March 31, 1969) is an American [[atheist activist]]. He was the president of the Atheist Community of Austin from 2006 to 2013. He has hosted the Austin-based webcast and cable-access television show The Atheist Experience since 2005, and formerly hosted the live Internet radio show Non-Prophets Radio. He is also the founder of and a contributor to the counter-apologetics encyclopedia Iron Chariots and its subsidiary sites. He is regularly engaged in formal debates and travels the United States speaking to local secular organizations and university groups as part of the Secular Student Alliance's Speakers Bureau. Alongside fellow activists Seth Andrews and Aron Ra, he traveled to Australia in March 2015 as a member of the Unholy Trinity Tour. In April 2015 he was an invited speaker at the Merseyside Skeptics Society QEDCon in Manchester, United Kingdom. Beginning in the summer of 2017, Dillahunty joined a speaking tour sponsored by the Pangburn Philosophy foundation where he shared the stage with fellow atheists [[Sam Harris]], [[Richard Dawkins]], and [[Lawrence Krauss]].<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Matt_Dillahunty&oldid=883877108 Matt Dillahunty], Wikipedia, Retrieved February 25, 2019</ref>}} Dillahunty serves on the Board of Directors for the [[American Atheists]] organization and he was elected in 2015.<ref>[https://www.atheists.org/about/board/ American Atheists - Board of Directors, Retreived 2-25-2019</ref> Pictures of an overweight Matt Dillahunty can be found [http://www.conservapedia.com/File:Matt_Dillahunty.jpg HERE] and [https://www.flickr.com/photos/revupreview/17492637685/in/photolist-qDuETP-nSad6y-s4prdT-bRX8Ee-skRGvK-skP8pz-nRb5mu-9sjevP-9BLiun-sqSqDZ-qfFatU-s4pkVP-rtMpz6-8JQY3T-8JQY3a-sDJUYc-s7zfuD-sDLkKt-vvp7YU-rp3NWr-skFZf3-sjRNWN-sBrsGA-rqb3u9-KEwCy-s4g9Jf-btf8J7-sBrgu5-rGKCTY-cV9RtL-sn7xQt-s3R4WX-sDJY2X-smZr9h-snbnis-s5B4po-sniAfV-rGKA5w-s5zBCf-sn8VBx-rGX8QT-sn9V1e-sn9Y8B-sjRPp1-sngXqp-s3R58t-sn9TXC-rq9AHw-sDHg6R-sn9UNR HERE]. == Nick Fish: American Atheists National Program Director == In 2018, the American Atheist organization indicated that Nick Fish is their National Program Director.<ref>[https://www.atheists.org/about/staff/ American Atheist - Our staff]</ref>  Pictures of an overweight Nick Fish can be found [http://www.amandalscott.com/received-american-atheists-2014-activist-of-the-year-award/20150405_101204/ HERE] and [http://www.sincerekirabo.com/gallery HERE]. == Mandisa Thomas: Board member of American Atheists organization ==[[File:Mandisa Thomas.jpg|thumbnail|200px|right|As of February 8, 2019, Mandisa Thomas was a board member of the American Atheists organization.<ref>[https://www.atheists.org/about/board/ American Atheists Board of Directors, February 8, 2019]</ref> Thomas is also the founder and President of Black Nonbelievers.<ref>[https://www.savedbyscience.com/richmondhumanists/fear-black-atheist-mandisa-thomas Fear of a Black Atheist by Mandisa Thomas]</ref>]]As of February 8, 2019, Mandisa Thomas was a board member of the American Atheists organization.<ref>[https://www.atheists.org/about/board/ American Atheists Board of Directors, February 8, 2019]</ref> Thomas is also the founder and President of Black Nonbelievers.<ref>[https://www.savedbyscience.com/richmondhumanists/fear-black-atheist-mandisa-thomas Fear of a Black Atheist by Mandisa Thomas]</ref> Pictures of an overweight Mandisa Thomas can be found [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Two_SCA_Honorees_June_14_2017_-04157.jpg HERE] and [https://www.savedbyscience.com/richmondhumanists/fear-black-atheist-mandisa-thomas HERE] and [https://www.atheistallianceamerica.org/mandisa-thomas-black-nonbelievers/ HERE] and [https://twitter.com/mandy0904 HERE]. == Pamela Whissel: American Atheists organization ==

In addition, as of April 16, 2018, she is the editor-in-chief of American Atheist magazine and has held this position since 2011.<ref>[https://www.atheists.org/about/staff/ American Atheist - Our staff]</ref> A picture of an overweight Pamela Whissel can be found [http://www.amandalscott.com/received-american-atheists-2014-activist-of-the-year-award/20150405_101204/ HERE].

Research suggests that extra pounds and large waists undermine perceptions A picture of leadership ability.<ref>an overweight Pamela Whissel can be found [http://onlinewww.wsjamandalscott.com/newsreceived-american-atheists-2014-activist-of-the-year-award/articles20150405/SB10001424127887324595704578241573341483946 Want to Be CEO? What's Your BMI?HERE]</ref>.

=== Dave/Danielle Muscato =: American Atheists ==

[[PZ Myers]] is an atheist and [[evolution|evolutionist]] activist in the [[creation-evolution controversy]], contributing to [[The Panda's Thumb (blog)|The Panda's Thumb]] and [[Pharyngula (blog)|Pharyngula]] blogs. Myers is also an associate [[professor]] of [[biology]] at the [[University of Minnesota]] Morris (UMM)<ref name="citypages">. Pictures of a significantly overweight [[PZ Myers]] can be found [http://citypagesgaylejordan.files.wordpress.com/databank2011/2604/dsc02944.jpg HERE] and [http:/1303/article13908pic.asp?page=1 ''The Mad Scientist''geekitude.com/v/aca/20130928ACABatCruise/IMG_4740DaveLizBethAronRaPZMyersRay.jpg.html HERE] City Pages, Volume 26 and [https://www.flickr.com/photos/mocost/2344279916/in/photolist- Issue 1303, November 23, 2005 Cover story<6NCWjF-9RfXk9-6NH6Do-6QF7uE-rTyyiA-8L4u4n-76hG18-agk32R-4za3Kf-6NCUtr-9hC8et-4MBQaY-cNf3qq-cNeuqC-9hC4Kp-6MK1PF-5aXfJH-8SZEpD-7Yr6Ke-9Yjjpu-9YgpUt-bM8qdD-9hvgny-9YgpW4-9Ygq1r-6NCWyB-nkHxxA-8KUC5D-88Bdpt-7AvgSH-7S7TzF-pQYvD8-8oZzEt-7LbyNo-7AvgAB-bHZFt4-oqz63Y-8ZpQv6-bRF43z-8qzyPi-7Az3q5-oqyKQw-76hJiP-6NCTTX-76hFoc-a5i79R-7LXJfW-2Pbj34-bGQEfe-8ZsRmq HERE] and [https:/ref>/flic.kr/p/8ZpQv6 HERE].

Pictures of a significantly overweight [[PZ Myers]] can be found [http://gaylejordan.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/dsc02944.jpg HERE] and [https://www.flickr.com/photos/mocost/2344279916/in/photolist-6NCWjF-9RfXk9-6NH6Do-6QF7uE-rTyyiA-8L4u4n-76hG18-agk32R-4za3Kf-6NCUtr-9hC8et-4MBQaY-cNf3qq-cNeuqC-9hC4Kp-6MK1PF-5aXfJH-8SZEpD-7Yr6Ke-9Yjjpu-9YgpUt-bM8qdD-9hvgny-9YgpW4-9Ygq1r-6NCWyB-nkHxxA-8KUC5D-88Bdpt-7AvgSH-7S7TzF-pQYvD8-8oZzEt-7LbyNo-7AvgAB-bHZFt4-oqz63Y-8ZpQv6-bRF43z-8qzyPi-7Az3q5-oqyKQw-76hJiP-6NCTTX-76hFoc-a5i79R-7LXJfW-2Pbj34-bGQEfe-8ZsRmq HERE] and [https://flic.kr/p/8ZpQv6 HERE]. A 2010 picture taken in Australia shows PZ Myers drinking ale/beer and he had excess weight in his abdominal area.<ref>http[https://www.flickrconservapedia.com/photos/reuvenim/4426093513/File:PzMyers2.jpg 2010 picture of PZ Myers]</ref> In 2010, PZ Myers had health problems related to his heart.<ref>http[https://web.archive.org/web/20100827160122/https://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2010/08/thats_not_a_heart_its_a_flaili.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+scienceblogs%2Fpharyngula+%28Pharyngula%29&utm_content=Google+ReaderThat's not a heart! It's a flailing Engine of Destruction!]</ref> In addition, [[medical science]] research indicates that excess weight impairs brain function.<ref>

On June 1, 2011, Myers posted a picture of himself and others on his blog and Myers appeared to no longer have issues with being overweight.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20121019172838/http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2011/06/the_final_tally_on_the_camp_qu.php01/the-final-tally-on-the-camp-qu/ The Final Tally on the Camp Quest race: I win!]</ref> However, on February 13, 2013, a video was posted to YouTube entitled, ''Is church harmful?'' and Myers appeared to have put on weight subsequent to his June 1, 2011 picture.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grwcUgEViOo ''Is church harmful?'' - Michael & Rhonda Jones, PZ Myers], Published on Feb 10, 2013 by YouTube account kaine diatheke</ref> In addition, a picture taken in 2014 features an overweight PZ Myers.<ref>[https://www.flickr.com/photos/gruts/14904166182/in/photolist-D4eT1T-sGxAz4-ruzFxj-iqRgAh-fQN82k-tz1p97-oqznxw-oH2Kms-oF2JGs-oqz9BS-oqz9fE-oqyZdn-oGMQtt-oGMQdP-oGMPyc-oqyKQw-oF2FT1-oH4vr2-oqyJXQ-oqz63Y-oqyVVR-oG7waJ-nWjtyR-nkHxxA-ekAZzi-dKuHL9-ekAZoz-egKaMi-ebQPPA-e8qkXB-dYUxZA-dYDWHy-dYyeiT-dUZNLQ-dyGPn7-dyGPhW-dyGNjU-dyGNfG-dyBk58-dtGPhq-detTjF-dabS2Z-dabRXQ-cNf3PS-cNf3qq-cNeuKu-cNeuqC-cAgJvb-bUMdpQ-bUMctb PZ Myers, FCD, Maureen Brian, FCD, & Richard Carter, FCD]</ref>

Christopher Hitchens was known for having a history of heavy drinking and chain-smoking.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110629141120/http://www.counterpunch.org/mccarthy02212003.htmlI'll Drink to That]</ref><ref>[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/08/17/christopher-hitchens-desp_n_685021.html Christopher Hitchens: Despite Cancer, I'd Drink & Smoke Again]</ref> Christopher Hitchens was being treated for esophageal cancer likely caused by [[alcoholism|drinking]] and [[smoking]] up until his death on December 15, 2011.<ref>http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2010/08/07/video-extended-interview-hitchens-on-cancer-and-atheism/</ref><ref>[http://healthblog.ctv.ca/post/Why-did-Hitchens-continue-to-smoke-during-his-treatment.aspx Why did Hitchens continue to smoke & drink during treatment? -CTV News]</ref> Despite his esophageal cancer, when asked by interviewer Charlie Rose if in retrospect he would have engaged in heavy drinking and smoking knowing his present cancer condition, Hitchens said he think he would have done things the same.<ref>[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/08/17/christopher-hitchens-desp_n_685021.html Christopher Hitchens: Despite Cancer, I'd Drink & Smoke Again]</ref>

*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110508134255/http://pn.psychiatryonline.org/content/41/18/25.1.fullObesity Linked to Changes In Cognitive Patterns]

[[Richard Leakey]] is an anthropologist, [[evolution|evolutionist]] and atheist.<ref>Richard Leakey(1983). One Life: An Autobiography (p. 38)</ref> A 2008 picture of an overweight Richard Leakey can be found [https://web.archive.org/web/20081011065932/http://baraza.wildlifedirect.org/2008/07/03/richard-leakey-comments-on-ngss-gorilla-murders/ HERE]. Other pictures of an overweight Leakey can be found [https://web.archive.org/web/20111014061855/http://www.achievement.org/achievers/lea0/photos/lea0-004a.gif HERE] and [http://origins.fsu.edu/2010/schedule/leakey.shtml HERE] and [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1075470/Credit-crunch-devastating-science-warns-anthropologist-Richard-Leakey.html HERE]. In October 2010, he appeared to have a healthy weight.<ref>http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Richard_Leakey.jpg</ref> However, a May 2012 picture of Leakey featured [http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/story/2012-05-26/evolution-debate-richard-leakey/55219164/1 HERE] in the ''USA Today'' had a picture of him where he was once more overweight. == Trent Toulouse (one of the founders of the website RationalWiki) == Trent Toulouse is one of the founders of the atheist/agnostic/[[Philosophical skepticism|skeptic]] website RationalWiki.<ref>[https://www.winterwatch.net/2018/02/rationalwiki-a-lonely-trolls-pseudoscience-project/ : A Troll’s Pseudoscience Project?]*[https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=RationalWiki&oldid=892479808 RationalWiki]*[https://uncommondescent.com/legal/rationalwiki-copyright-infringement/ Trent Toulouse posted: "I am the 'owner' of RationalWiki, though it not ownership in the traditional sense."]</ref> He is also one of the board of trustees of the RationalMedia Foundation.<ref>[https://rationalwiki.org/wiki/RationalWiki:RationalMedia_Foundation/List_of_board_members RationalMedia Foundation - List of Board Members]</ref> A picture of an obese Trent Toulouse can be found [https://www.winterwatch.net/2018/02/rationalwiki-a-lonely-trolls-pseudoscience-project/ HERE]. The RationalWiki website has a significant amount of content criticizing [[alternative medicine]].<ref>[https://rationalwiki.org/wiki/Category:Alternative_medicine RationalWiki articles on alternative medicine]</ref> Its alternative medicine article describes alternative medicine thusly: "Alternative medicine is any medical treatment that is not part of conventional evidence-based medicine, such as one would learn in medical school, nursing school or even paramedic training."<ref>[https://rationalwiki.org/w/index.php?title=Alternative_medicine&oldid=2070465 Alternative medicine - RationalWiki]</ref> Evidence-based medicine strongly indicates that [[Health risks linked to obesity|obesity poses significant health risks]].

A video of the [[Greg Bahnsen vs. Gordon Stein debate]] has a picture of Gordon Stein which features a significantly overweight Gordon Stein (see: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLZdOGCE5KQ The Great Debate: Does God Exist? Dr. Greg Bahnsen versus Dr. Gordon Stein]). Pictures of an overweight Gordon Stein can be found within the videos located [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLZdOGCE5KQ HERE] and [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLZdOGCE5KQ HERE].

On January 2, 2013, Brayton indicated he had a medical emergency which caused him to require having open heart surgery.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20131013194627/http://freethoughtblogs.com/carrier/archives/2970 I’m Back, Now Help Ed Brayton!]</ref>

Niles Eldredge is an atheist. <ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20120610104429/http://theotherjournal.com/2011/03/23/ultra-darwinism-and-creation%E2%80%99s-sabbath-an-interview-with-conor-cunningham-part-i/ Ultra-Darwinism and Creation’s Sabbath: An Interview with Conor Cunningham, Part I] by Conor Cunningham & Eric Austin Lee on Wednesday, March 23, 2011</ref> A picture of overweight Niles Eldridge can be found [https://web.archive.org/web/20160313073245/http://www.dailyfreeman.com/general-news/20100212/darwin-still-relevant-scientist-says HERE].

[[File:Gerbic and Novella.jpg|thumbnail|220px|right|The American skeptical activist and atheist [[Susan Gerbic ]] and the skeptic/atheist [[Steven Novella]] ]]

Novella is a prominent atheist/skeptic who co-founded the New England Skeptical Society and he serves as their president. <ref>[https://theness.com/neurologicablog/index.php/there-is-no-problem-with-atheism/ There is No Problem with Atheism] by Steven Novella</ref> The organization's podcast, The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe, is popular within the skeptical movement. He also participated in the pro-[[evolution]] campaign called Project Steve and was one of the first 200 people to contribute the project as a signer.

== Atheist activist Michael Nugent ==

''See also:'' [[Ireland, irreligion and obesity]][[File:Michael Nugent.jpg|thumbnail|200px|right||[[Michael Nugent]] is chairperson of the atheist group Atheist Ireland.<ref>[http://www.youtubeirishtimes.com/watch?vnewspaper/opinion/2010/1019/1224281440918.html Give us a state that's not religious nor atheist, but secular] Michael Nugent, ''Irish Times'', 19 October 2010</ref><br /><br />in 2012, Ireland was ranked in the top 11 atheist populations in a survey which questioned 50,000 people from 57 countries across the globe.<ref>{{cite news|title=fcNmqGo4jg8Global Index of Religiosity and Atheism|publisher=WIN/GIA|Gallup|date=|url=http://www.wingia.com/web/files/news/14/file/14.pdf|accessdate=2012-09-02|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021065544/http://www.wingia.com/web/files/news/14/file/14.pdf|archivedate=2013-10-21|df=}}</ref> <br /><br />Ireland is on course to become the most obese country in Europe, according to the latest figures from World Health Organisation (WHO) experts.<ref>[https://www.irishtimes.com/news/health/ireland-set-to-be-most-obese-country-in-europe-who-says-1.2201731 Ireland set to be most obese country in Europe, WHO says], Irish Times, 2015</ref> See: [[Ireland, irreligion and obesity]] ]][[Michael Nugent]] is chairperson of the atheist group Atheist Ireland.<ref>[http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/opinion/2010/1019/1224281440918.html Give us a state that's not religious nor atheist, but secular] Michael Nugent, ''Irish Times'', 19 October 2010</ref>

Pictures of an overweight Michael Nugent can be found [http://skepchick.org/tag/michael-nugent/ HERE] and [https://atheist.ie/events/event/michael-nugent-and-jane-donnelly-speak-at-the-polish-days-of-atheism-2018/ HERE] and [https://atheist.ie/2016/05/21-great-lessons-rationalist-conference-tallinn/ HERE] and [https://www.irishtimes.com/news/education/dominican-school-cancels-invite-to-atheist-speaker-1.2420125 HERE].

A video Videos featuring an overweight Michael Nugent can be found [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvzeGQj5ac8 HERE] and [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=En8F38ChvvE HERE].

The atheist [[Taslima Nasrin]] is an author who is known for her [[feminism|feminist]] and anti-[[Islam|Islamic]] views.<ref>http[https://taslimanasrinweb.comarchive.org/<web/20110408142417/ref><ref>http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/articles/taslima-nasrin-writer-trialTaslima Nasrin: "A Writer On Trial"]</ref> Ms. Nasreen has been divorced three times.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110103105142/http://www.drishtikone.com/node/9364Taslima Nasreen: Persona of a Besieged Woman]</ref> A picture of an overweight Taslima Nasreen can be found here: [http://www.topnews.in/law/people/taslima-nasreen HERE]

== Matt Dillahunty - a host of atheist TV show Harvey Forbes Fierstein ==

[[Matt Dillahunty]] currently serves as the president of the [[atheism|Atheist]] Community of [[Austin]]. In additionHarvey Forbes Fierstein is an American actor, playwright, Mr. Dillahunty also serves as a host of the internet radio show "Non-Prophets Radio" and of the Austin television cable access show "The Atheist Experience"voice actor. According to his page at Atheist Nexus, Mr. Dillahunty works in the software fieldFierstein is an atheist/agnostic.<ref>httpMcKinley, Jesse (2005-01-02). "[https://www.atheistnexusnytimes.orgcom/profile2005/MattDillahunty<01/02/ref> theater/newsandfeatures/02mcki.html As of June 9Tevye: Sounds Crazy, 2016, Dillahunty serves on the board of directors for the [[American AtheistsNo?]] organization". The New York Times. p. 2. As of June 85. I mean, 2016I don't believe in God, Dillahunty serves on the board of the directors for the American Atheists organizationI don't believe in heaven or hell, but I pray three or four times a day. </ref>

Pictures Fierstein said to a reporter from the ''New York Times'': "I was brought up in a home where my father spoke Yiddish, but we were High Holy Day Jews -- and I'm not a High Holy Day Jew at all now. I'm of the community, not necessarily of an overweight Matt Dillahunty can be found the religion. But this has really brought out the Jew. I mean, I don't believe in God, I don't believe in heaven or hell, but I pray three or four times a day."<ref>McKinley, Jesse (2005-01-02). "[httphttps://www.conservapedianytimes.com/File2005/01/02/theater/newsandfeatures/02mcki.html As Tevye:Matt_DillahuntySounds Crazy, No?]". The New York Times. p. 2.5.jpg HERE] and I mean, I don't believe in God, I don't believe in heaven or hell, but I pray three or four times a day.</ref>  A picture of an overweight Harvey Forbes Fierstein can be found [https://wwwcommons.flickrwikimedia.comorg/photoswiki/revupreview/17492637685/in/photolist-qDuETP-nSad6y-s4prdT-bRX8Ee-skRGvK-skP8pz-nRb5mu-9sjevP-9BLiun-sqSqDZ-qfFatU-s4pkVP-rtMpz6-8JQY3T-8JQY3a-sDJUYc-s7zfuD-sDLkKt-vvp7YU-rp3NWr-skFZf3-sjRNWN-sBrsGA-rqb3u9-KEwCy-s4g9Jf-btf8J7-sBrgu5-rGKCTY-cV9RtL-sn7xQt-s3R4WX-sDJY2X-smZr9h-snbnis-s5B4po-sniAfV-rGKA5w-s5zBCf-sn8VBx-rGX8QT-sn9V1e-sn9Y8B-sjRPp1-sngXqp-s3R58t-sn9TXC-rq9AHw-sDHg6R-sn9UNR File:Harvey_Fierstein_Shankbone_Metropolitan_Opera_2009.jpg HERE].

Also, in a January 30, 2012 interview with Charlie Rose, Mr. Fry also had excess weight.<ref>[httphttps://www.cbsnewsyoutube.com/video/watch/?idv=7396915n Z8Odbag377A January 30, 2012 CBS Stephen Fry interview with Charlie Rose]</ref> In his interview with Charlie Rose, Mr. Fry said that as a young man he hated exercise and sports.<ref>[httphttps://www.cbsnewsyoutube.com/video/watch/?idv=7396915n Z8Odbag377A January 30, 2012 CBS Stephen Fry interview with Charlie Rose]</ref> Besides being an atheist, Mr. Fry is a [[homosexuality|homosexual]].<ref>[httphttps://www.cbsnewsyoutube.com/video/watch/?idv=7396915n Z8Odbag377A January 30, 2012 CBS Stephen Fry interview with Charlie Rose]</ref> Traditionally, players in male core sports teams (e.g., football, baseball, basketball,and/or soccer) are more likely to have unfavorable views of homosexuality.<ref>[https://researchspace.auckland.ac.nz/handle/2292/8401 Please Note: There is a difference between disliking the perverse practice of homosexuality and fearing it. A distinction which liberal academics pretend doesn't exist - Exploring the relationship between homophobia and participation in core sports for high school students Osborne, D ; Wagner, W, 2007]</ref> See: [[Homosexuality and obesity]] and [[Sports performance: Religious faith vs. atheism]]

The atheist [[Perry DeAngelis ]] co-hosted the podcast ''Skeptics' Guide to the Universe'', which he helped found.<ref>DeAngelis, Perry. "[https://theness.com/index.php/hunting-the-ghost-hunters/ Hunting the Ghost Hunters]". The NESS</ref><ref>[https://theness.com/neurologicablog/index.php/perry-deangelis-8221963-8192007/ Perry DeAngelis: 8/22/1963 8/19/2007]</ref> In addition, he served as the executive director of the New England Skeptical Society.<ref>[https://theness.com/neurologicablog/index.php/perry-deangelis-8221963-8192007/ Perry DeAngelis: 8/22/1963 8/19/2007]</ref>  Before his death, he had type 2 diabetes.<ref>[https://www.sgutranscripts.org/wiki/SGU_Episode_110 SGU Episode 110]</ref> He died at the age of 43 after enduring a long struggle with several chronic illnesses.<ref>[https://theness.com/neurologicablog/index.php/perry-deangelis-8221963-8192007/ Perry DeAngelis: 8/22/1963 8/19/2007]</ref> A picture of an overweight Perry DeAngelis can be found [https://www.conservapedia.com/File:Perry_DeAngelis.jpg HERE].

Nikki Massey is an atheist and she serves on the board of directors for Secular Woman, Inc. In addition, she is a part-time blogger and [[abortion]] activist.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20140920221005/http://www.secularwoman.org/niki_massey Nick Massey bio at Secular Woman, Inc.]</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20150206114238/http://www.secularwoman.org/sw_welcomes_niki_massey Secular Woman Welcomes Niki Massey]. Secular Woman Inc. website - September 16, 2014</ref> A picture of an overweight Nikki Massey at SkepchickCon can be found [http://skepchick.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/skepchickcon_highlights-14-1024x576.jpg HERE] and [http://skepchick.org/2014/08/skepchickcon-in-pictures/ HERE] In addition, a picture of Nikki Massey can be found [https://skepticon.org/speaker/niki-massey/ HERE].

Matthew Bulger is served on the board of directors for the [[Secular Student Alliance]].<ref>[https://secularstudents.org/board#matthew Matthew Bulger - Board of Directors - Secular Students Alliance]</ref> In addition, he serves as a legislative associate at the American Humanist Association.<ref>[httphttps://americanhumanist.org/AHAabout/staff/Contactbulger/Matthew_Bulger_Biography Matthew Bulger - bio - American Humanist Association]</ref>

As a student at [[George Mason University]], Shelley Mountjoy founded the Secular Student Alliance at [[George Mason University]] and served as its President.<ref>[http://aft.atheisme.ca/montreal2010/sp/mountjoy_shelley_en.html Shelly Mountjoy]</ref><ref>[https://nonprophetstatus.wordpress.com/2010/04/28/ssa-summit-day-one-service-collaboration-and-lessons-from-queers/ SSA Summit Day One: Service, Collaboration, and Lessons from Queers, April 28, 2010]</ref> She is an atheist who won an atheist scholarship awarded by the American Atheists organization, but later chose to withdraw her acceptance of the scholarship.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20101114152549/http://www.secularstudents.org/node/2911 Shelley Mountjoy Wins American Atheists Scholarship]</ref>

[[Steve Wozniak]] - co-founder of [[Apple Computer]].<ref>http://www.axleration.com/apple-co-founder-praises-android/</ref> Wozniak wrote: "I am also [[atheism|atheist]] or [[agnosticism|agnostic]] (I don't even know the difference)."<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110612071452/http://www.woz.org/letters/general/72.htmlLetters-General Questions Answered]</ref>

[[Cryonics]] is a [[pseudoscience]] that tries to extend life or achieve immortality in a non-theistic way after a person is legally dead (Cryonic procedures are performed shortly after a person's death).<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20120618151358/http://dujs.dartmouth.edu/winter-2012/cryogenesis-a-review#.VDHE0RYy5l4 Cryogenesis: A Review], Dartmouth Undergraduate Journal of Science, In Winter 2012/ March 11, 2012</ref><ref>[http://thehumanist.com/july-august-2011/heaven-for-atheists/ Heaven for atheists - TheHumanist.com]</ref> According to The Cryonics Society, Asimov said of cryonics, "Though no one can quantify the probability of cryonics working, I estimate it is at least 90%..."<ref>[http://www.cryonicssociety.org/aboutcryonics_critics.html Cryonics and critics], The Cryonics Society</ref> See: [[Atheism and cryonics]]

Dr. Gordon Stein (April 30, 1941 – August 27, 1996) was an American author, physiologist and atheist activist. One of the things Dr. Stein is known for is his debate with the [[Christian apologetics|Christian apologist]] Dr. [[Greg Bahnsen]] - a debate he is widely recognized to have done poorly in.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20121029082635/http://simpleapologetics.com/thegreatdebate.html The Great Debate: Greg Bahnsen vs Gordon Stein]</ref><ref>[http://www.frame-poythress.org/bahnsen-at-the-stein-debate/ Bahnsen at the Stein debate] by John Frame</ref><ref>[http://veritasdomain.wordpress.com/2006/12/05/greg-bahnsen-vs-gordon-stein-the-great-debate/ "The Great Debate: Does God Exist?"] or [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1hSx2evTGM The Great Debate: Does God Exist?] - Dr. Greg Bahnsen versus Dr. Gordon Stein - Audio of a formal debate between Christian [[Greg Bahnsen]] and skeptic Gordon Stein at the University of California, Irvine.</ref>

Song writer and singer [[George Melly ]] was an atheist.<ref>http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-19211298.html</ref> A picture of an overweight George Melly smoking a cigarette can be found [http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:George_Melly_1978.jpg HERE].

== Atheist author Sir Kingsley William Amis ==

[[Kingsley Amis|Sir Kingsley William Amis]], [[Commander of Order of the British Empire|CBE]] (16 April 1922 – 22 October 1995) was an English writer, critic and teacher. Amis was also an atheist.<ref>http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/andrewbrown/2009/jan/11/religion-amis-hates-god</ref> Kingsley Amis was a serial adulterer and drunkard.<ref>http[https://wwwbooks.bookragsgoogle.com/wiki/Kingsley_Amisbooks?id=X_ZkBAAAQBAJ&pg=PT58&lpg=PT58&dq=Kingsley+Amis+was+a+serial+adulterer+and+drunkard.&source=bl&ots=_e8hipQ3uf&sig=ACfU3U0pApfV20DPM4liQPs41m7fDHEGUw&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj6zpX6m7rgAhVNNd8KHWgTD5kQ6AEwDHoECAAQAQ#v=onepage&q=Kingsley%20Amis%20was%20a%20serial%20adulterer%20and%20drunkard.&f=false Kingsley Amis - adultery and drunkard] </ref> Sir Kingsley Amis wrote in a memoir: "Now and then I become conscious of having the reputation of being one of the great drinkers, if not one of the great drunks, of our time".<ref>http[https://www.bookragsazquotes.com/wikiquote/Kingsley_Amis1380153 Kingsley Amis quote]</ref> A picture of an overweight Sir Kingsley Amis can be found [http://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/kingsley-amis-5.php HERE]

[[Rosika Schwimmer]] (1877–1948) was a Hungarian-born feminist and pacifist. Rosika Schwimmer was an atheist.<ref>http[https://www.amazonjta.co.ukorg/Hungarian1927/07/05/archive/rosika-Atheistsschwimmer-Georgeis-Koestlerdenied-u-s-citizenship Rosika Schwimmer/dp/1155532643is Denied U.S. Citizenship]</ref>

== Michigan State University overweight, atheist professor incident Bruce Horst ==

On October 1Bruce Horst, 2012a Texan, decided to become an overweight, atheist Michigan State University professor stripped naked except for his socks during one of his university classes, declared there in 2017 when he became angry that the politically [[right-wing|right]] leaning [[evangelical Christians]] he knew didn't like [[ObamaCare]]. Horst indicated that he was no God, screamed, shouted an obscenity, slammed his hands against the window and pressed his face to the window and then was taken away by policeoverweight man with a family history of heart disease that had trouble finding insurance companies that would cover him.<ref>[httphttps://wwwfriendlyatheist.huffingtonpostpatheos.com/2012/102017/01/michigan18/this-stateformer-universityevangelical-nakedbecame-prof_n_1930510.html?utm_hp_ref=crime&ir=Crime Michigan State University Professor Strips Naked In Class, Police Arrive To Escort Him To Hospital]</ref><ref>[http://voxday.blogspot.com/2012/10/thean-atheist-after-seeing-fellow-intellectualchristians-atheist.html The intellectual atheistfight-against-obamacare/ This Former Evangelical Became an Atheist After Seeing Fellow Christians Fight Against Obamacare], Friendly Atheist, [[Hemant Mehta]]</ref> See also: [[Atheism and health]]

== Sports involvementA picture of an overweight Bruce Horst can be found [https: Religious faith vs//friendlyatheist.patheos.com/2017/01/18/this-former-evangelical-became-an-atheist-after-seeing-fellow-christians-fight-against-obamacare/ HERE]. atheism ==

''See also:'' [[Sports performance: Religious faith vs== Jeffrey L. atheism ]] and [[Atheist nerds]][[File:Basketball.jpg|thumbnail|left|205px|Numerous studies report athletes to be more religious than nonathletes.<ref>[http://thesportjournal.org/article/strength-of-religious-faith-of-athletes-and-nonathletes-at-two-ncaa-division-iii-institutions/ ''Strength of Religious Faith of Athletes and Nonathletes at Two NCAA Division III Institutions'']</ref>]]As noted above, two of the major risk factors for becoming [[obesity|obese]] according to the [[Mayo Clinic]] are poor dietary choices and inactivity.<ref>http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/obesity/DS00314/DSECTIONFalick ==causes</ref> In order to perform at their best, athletes generally must be active and make good dietary choices.

''Jeffrey L. Falick wrote about himself that he is the "[[Secular humanism|Secular Humanistic]] Rabbi of The Sports Journal'' Birmingham Temple Congregation for Humanistic [[Judaism]] in Michigan. He is also certified as a monthly refereed journal published Senior Humanist Celebrant by the United States Sports Academy. A journal article appeared in the Sports Journal entitled ''Strength American Humanist Association and is president and founder of Religious Faith Humanists of Athletes and Nonathletes at Two NCAA Division III Institutions''. The article was submitted by Nathan T. Bell, Scott R. Johnson, and Jeffrey C. Petersen from Ball State UniversitySoutheast Michigan."<ref>[httphttps://thesportjournalwww.orgpatheos.com/articleblogs/strength-of-religious-faith-of-athletes-and-nonathletes-at-two-ncaa-division-iii-institutionstheatheistrabbi/ ''Strength of Religious Faith of Athletes and Nonathletes at Two NCAA Division III Institutions''author/jfalick About Jeffrey L. Falick]</ref>

An excerpt from Falick wrote: "Being self-conscious about my own lifelong struggle with excess weight, I wasn’t going to post anything about the abstract of the journal [[Conservapedia]] 'featured article ''Strength of Religious Faith of Athletes on atheism and Nonathletes at Two NCAA Division III Institutions'' declaresobesity."<ref>[https:{{cquote|Numerous studies report athletes to be more religious than nonathletes (Fischer, 1997; Storch, Kolsky, Silvestri, & Storch, 2001; Storch et al//www., 2004)patheos.com/blogs/theatheistrabbi/2011/01/hey-fatso.html Hey Fatso!] by Jeffrey L.Falick, January 5, 2011</ref>

Viewers of sporting events can frequently observe athletes pointing to the sky== Michigan State University overweight, engaging in team prayer on the court or field, and glorifying God following athletic competitions.<ref>[http://thesportjournal.org/article/strength-of-religious-faith-of-athletes-and-nonathletes-at-two-ncaa-division-iii-institutions/ ''Strength of Religious Faith of Athletes and Nonathletes at Two NCAA Division III Institutions'']</ref>}}atheist professor incident ==

See also:  *[On October 1, 2012, an overweight, atheist Michigan State University professor stripped naked except for his socks during one of his university classes, declared there was no God, screamed, shouted an obscenity, slammed his hands against the window and pressed his face to the window and then was taken away by police.<ref>[Sports performancehttp: Religious faith vs//www. atheism ]huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/01/michigan-state-university-naked-prof_n_1930510.html?utm_hp_ref=crime&ir=Crime Michigan State University Professor Strips Naked In Class, Police Arrive To Escort Him To Hospital]  *</ref><ref>[[Atheism and bodilyhttp://voxday.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-kinesthetic intelligence]intellectual-atheist.html The intellectual atheist] *</ref> See also: [[Atheist nerdsAtheism and health]]

The Pew Research Center defines "adult Millennials" as those who are 18 to 33 years old, born between 1981–1996.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20140310162851/http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/files/2014/03/2014-03-07_generations-report-version-for-web.pdf Millennials in Adulthood] - Pew Research Center</ref>

{{cquote|People born from 1966 to 1980, known as Generation X, are fatter and twice as likely to have diabetes as [[Baby boom|Baby Boomers]] were at the same age, according to an Australian study that predicts younger generations will be sicker and costlier to care for in old age.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20140329012205/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-03-27/gen-x-are-more-likely-to-have-diabetes-than-baby-boomers.html Gen-X Are More Likely to Have Diabetes Than Baby Boomers By Jason Gale 2014-03-27T00:47:24Z]</ref>}}

In the United States, [[religion]] is positively correlated to education; a scholarly study published in an academic journal titled the ''Review of Religious Research'' demonstrated that increased education is correlated with belief in God and that "education positively affects religious participation, devotional activities, and emphasizing the importance of religion in daily life."<ref>{{cite book|url=http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs13644-011-0007-4|quote=education positively affects religious participation, devotional activities, and emphasizing the importance of religion in daily life; (3) education positively affects switching religious affiliations, particularly to a mainline Protestant denomination, but not disaffiliation; (4) education is positively associated with questioning the role of religion in secular society but not with support for curbing the public opinions of religious leaders; and (5) the effects of education on religious beliefs and participation vary across religious traditions. Education does influence Americans’ religious beliefs and activities, but the effects of education on religion are complex.|title=The Effects of Education on Americans’ Religious Practices, Beliefs, and Affiliations|last=Schwadel|first=Philip|year=2011|journal=Review of Religious Research|volume=53|issue=2|doi=10.1007/s13644-011-0007-4|}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Study: More educated tend to be more religious, by some measures|author=Jim Kavanagh|date=11 August 2011|publisher=[[CNN]]|url=http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2011/08/11/study-more-educated-tend-to-be-more-religious-by-some-measures/|quote=“With more years of education, you aren’t relatively more likely to say, ‘I don’t believe in God,’” he said. “But you are relatively more likely to say, ‘I believe in a higher power.’”}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=The more education people receive, the more religious they become?|date=12 August 2011|publisher=[[Daily Mail]]|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2025166/The-education-people-receive-religious-become.html|quote=By analyzing data from a large national survey, sociologist Philip Schwadel of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln found that people tend to become more religious - by certain definitions - as they further their education. The survey also qualified what concept of God or a 'higher power' individuals held, as well as whether they had any doubts. Mr Schwadel said that: 'With more years of education, you aren’t relatively more likely to say, "I don’t believe in God," but you are relatively more likely to say, "I believe in a higher power."'}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=More is More When it Comes to Education and Religion, Study Says|date=13 August 2011|publisher=[[Christian Post]]|url=http://www.christianpost.com/news/who-is-more-religious-53865/|quote=Sociologist Philip Schwadel from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) studied this phenomenon. He discovered that people today tend to become more religious as they further their education.}}</ref> Furthermore, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that higher levels of education is positively correlated with lower rates of obesity.<ref>[http://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2012/p0516_higher_education.html Higher education and income levels keys to better health, according to annual report on nation's health]</ref>

{{cquote|Younger generations also are significantly less likely than older ones to affiliate with a religious tradition. This pattern began in the 1970s when 13% of Baby Boomers were unaffiliated with any particular religion, according to the General Social Survey. That compared with just 6% among the Silent generation and 3% among the Greatest generation.<ref>[http://www.people-press.org/2011/11/03/section-1-how-generations-have-changed/ The Generation Gap and the 2012 ElectionSection 1: How Generations Have Changed]</ref>}}

The journalist [[Peter LaBarbera]] wrote: "Anyone who has researched the subject of [[homosexuality]] knows that many of the most staunch advocates of homosexuality are those who hold a decidedly secular outlook."<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110520115711/http://americansfortruth.com/news/homosexuality-and-atheism.htmlHomosexuality and Atheism]</ref> The [[Bible]] is against homosexuality (see: [[Homosexuality and the Bible]]). See also: [[Homosexuality and Religious Liberty]]

In 2013, the [[National Institutes of Health]] (NIH) reported that 75% of American [[lesbianism|lesbians]] are [[obese]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20130629112532/http://cnsnews.com/news/article/feds-spend-15-million-study-why-lesbians-are-fat Feds Spend $1.5 Million to Study Why Lesbians Are Fat - CNS News]</ref> In April of 2007, the'' American Journal of Public Health'' analyzed data from 2002 National Survey of Family Growth and the data suggested that [[United States|American]] [[lesbianism|lesbian]] women were 2.69 times more likely to be overweight and 2.47 times more likely to be obese than all other female sexual orientation groups.

[[File:May Clinic MN.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The [[Mayo Clinic]] found that that religious involvement and spirituality are associated with better physical health and mental outcomes.<ref>Mueller, Dr. Paul S. et al. (December 2001). [http://www.mayoclinicproceedings.comorg/contentarticle/76S0025-6196%2811%2962799-7/fulltext "Religious involvement, spirituality, and medicine: implications for clinical practice"]. ''Mayo Clinic Proceedings'' vol. 76:12/, pp. 1225-1235.full Retrieved from Mayo Clinic Proceedings website on July 20, 2014.pdf</ref>

The authors report a majority of the nearly 350 studies of physical health and 850 studies of mental health that have used religious and spiritual variables have found that religious involvement and spirituality are associated with better health outcomes.<ref>Mueller, Dr. Paul S. et al. (December 2001). [http://www.mayoclinicproceedings.comorg/contentarticle/76S0025-6196%2811%2962799-7/fulltext "Religious involvement, spirituality, and medicine: implications for clinical practice"]. ''Mayo Clinic Proceedings'' vol. 76:12/, pp. 1225-1235.full Retrieved from Mayo Clinic Proceedings website on July 20, 2014.pdf</ref>}}

</ref>).<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20080828120103/http://www.rcgd.isr.umich.edu/crockerlab/articles/2005_Crocker_Garcia_Self-Esteem_&_Stigma_of_Obesity.pdfSelf-Esteem and the Stigma of Obesity] by Jennifer Crockerand Julie A. Garcia, University of Michigan, September 26, 2004</ref> In March of 2011, ''USA News and World Report'' declared that an [[Arizona State University]] study suggests that fat stigma has gone global.<ref>http://health.usnews.com/health-news/diet-fitness/diet/articles/2011/03/31/health-buzz-fat-stigma-spreading-across-world</ref> In addition, parts of the world that once viewed being overweight favorably now hold negative views concerning having extra pounds and also hold negative views concerning overweight individuals.<ref>http://health.usnews.com/health-news/diet-fitness/diet/articles/2011/03/31/health-buzz-fat-stigma-spreading-across-world</ref> Poor self-esteem has been linked to an increase in suicide attempts and [[Atheism and suicide|atheists have higher rates of suicide than the general population.]]<ref>http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20602903</ref><ref>http://www.adherents.com/misc/religion_suicide.html</ref><ref>http://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/cgi/content/abstract/161/12/2303</ref> Obese atheists likely have higher rates of suicide than the general public.

Professor Terence Stephenson in [https://web.archive.org/web/20140321165709/http://www.aomrc.org.uk/general-news/doctors-unite-to-deliver-prescription-for-uk-obesity-epidemic.html Measuring Up], a report on the nation's obesity crisis by the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (AoMRC) called Britain the "fat man of Europe".<ref>[http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/loseweight/Pages/statistics-and-causes-of-the-obesity-epidemic-in-the-UK.aspx Britain: 'the fat man of Europe']</ref> In May of 2014, the British paper ''The Mirror'' reported that according to the British medical journal ''Lancet'', British girls are the most overweight girls in Western Europe.<ref>[http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/technology-science/science/british-girls-fattest-western-europe-3620185 British girls are FATTEST in western Europe claims alarming new research by The Lancet], ''Mirror'', Ben Burrows, May 29, 2014 10:52</ref> In Britain, 29.2% of girls under the age of 20 are classed as excessively heavy with just over 8% meeting the clinical definition of obesity.<ref>[http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/technology-science/science/british-girls-fattest-western-europe-3620185 British girls are FATTEST in western Europe claims alarming new research by The Lancet], ''Mirror'', Ben Burrows, May 29, 2014 10:52</ref> See also: [[Evolutionists who have had problems with being overweight and/or obese|Evolutionists who have had problems with being overweight]]

Atheist often champion mainstream medicine and disparage [[osteopathy]], [[integrative medicine]], [[chiropractic]] healthcare and other [[alternative medicine]] approaches.<ref>[http://atheism.about.com/b/2006/08/08/medicine-vs-quackery.htm Medicine vs. quackery by Atheist Austin Cline]</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20130526203445/http://freethoughtblogs.com/amilliongods/tag/quacks/ Freethoughtblogs.com - A million gods - tags: medicine, quackery]</ref> Yet despite [[medical science]] having an vast amount of evidence pointing out the many [[Health risks linked to obesity|health risks of excess weight]] and medical science, [[exercise science]], and [[nutritional science]] having many effective measures to lose weight, there are a significant number of [[Western World]] atheists who are obese or have excess weight.