Obesity is now responsible for more deaths in the United States than smoking—yet the Orthodox Jewish community rarely addresses it as either a public health emergency or a halachic concern. In this eye-opening episode, Scott speaks with Dr. Sharon Grossman to explore the medical, hashkafic, and halachic dimensions of obesity, overeating, and eating disorders. They discuss startling statistics about caloric intake on Shabbat, whether extravagant kiddushes and wedding meals reflect a violation of Torah values, and how halacha approaches issues like achilat gasa, guarding one’s health, and weight loss surgery. They also tackle the other extreme—unhealthy preoccupations with appearance, the dangers of anorexia, and the rise of drugs like Ozempic. Can Judaism offer a healthy, balanced view of eating, body image, and self-care? This conversation challenges us to rethink how we relate to food, our health, and our values.
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Music: “Happy Rock” by bensound.com