A professor at the University of Missouri-Columbia estimates that there are as many as 250,000 deaths in the United States annually that are caused by what he calls "inactivity-related diseases." That translates into a more serious crisis than lifetime smoking or problem drinking, for obese people have far more health problems than daily smokers or heavy drinkers have.

According to a recently released RAND report, three of every five adult Americans are either overweight (36 percent) or obese (23 percent). Researchers used the body mass index (BMI), which is a ratio of height to weight, to define "overweight" and "obesity."

Are you in danger? Multiply your weight in pounds by the number 703 and divide that result by the square of your height in inches. People of normal weight have a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9; those considered overweight score between 25 and 29.9; obese people are between 30 and 34.9. Very obese people score over 35.

Considering that our bodies are called the "temple of the Holy Spirit" (1 Corinthians 6:19), we should be diligent to address any weight problem that we have. Nothing is more effective than diet and exercise. Because there are so many fad diets and unsafe over-the-counter remedies for overweight and obesity, everyone with this problem would be wise to seek the counsel of a qualified professional.

Sources: RAND News Release, June 7, 2001; AP; "Government Knows Best," by Linda Bowles, June 12, 2001, Creators Syndicate, Inc.