According to both research and the Bible, gluttony is largely associated with overeating and indulging in food beyond what is necessary for sustenance. The Bible references gluttony as a sin in Proverbs 23:20-21, which states, “Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags” (NIV). Research similarly identifies gluttony as a behavior that can lead to negative health consequences, such as increased risk for obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
A study published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology found that people who scored higher on measures of binge eating and emotional eating had a greater risk for obesity and related health issues. Another study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that frequent consumption of fast food, a behavior often associated with gluttony, was linked to a higher risk of obesity and poor nutrition.
While the Bible and research both agree on the negative effects of gluttony, they differ in their approaches to addressing the behavior. The Bible emphasizes the importance of self-control and moderation when it comes to food and drink, encouraging people to enjoy these things in moderation rather than indulging to excess. Research, on the other hand, focuses on a variety of interventions for addressing overeating and gluttony, including cognitive behavioral therapy, mindful eating practices, and nutrition education.
Sources:
– The Holy Bible, New International Version. (2011). Proverbs 23:20-21.
– Striegel-Moore, R. H., Franko, D. L., Thompson, D., Affenito, S., Kraemer, H. C., & Daniels, S. R. (2004). Binge eating as a marker for a severity of psychopathology in bulimia nervosa. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 72(6), 1065-1075. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-006X.72.6.1065
– Larson, N. I., Perry, C. L., Story, M., & Neumark-Sztainer, D. (2011). Fast food intake and diet quality in a diverse sample of school-aged children. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 111(12), 1854-1860. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jand.2011.09.012
