Orthodox Conundrum Overeating, Obesity, Ozempic, and Orthodox Jews, with Dr. Sharon Grossman (255)
Jul 15, 2025
Dr. Sharon Grossman, a Harvard-trained radiation oncologist and expert in halachic medicine, joins the discussion on obesity within the Orthodox community. They tackle shocking statistics on caloric intake during Shabbat and how traditional meals can lead to overeating. The conversation covers the ethical considerations surrounding weight loss surgery and medications like Ozempic, addressing their implications in both health and Jewish law. Grossman advocates for a balanced approach to body image and self-care, urging a healthier relationship with food and wellness.
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Obesity Outpaces Smoking Deaths
- Obesity now causes more deaths annually in the US than smoking, around 500,000 per year.
- It significantly increases the risk of chronic diseases and shortens lifespan by approximately 2.4 years.
Shabbat Caloric Intake Huge
- Orthodox Jews consume roughly 6,000 calories on Shabbat, two to three times the recommended daily amount.
- This excess eating behavior on Shabbat likely contributes to obesity in the community.
Halacha on Shabbat Eating
- Torah encourages enjoyment of food on Shabbat but warns against overeating, distinguishing delighting in Shabbat from delighting on it.
- Overeating violates halachic concerns and may be seen as neglecting the sanctity of Shabbat.