20 Bible Verses for Weight Loss and Healthy Eating

20 Bible Verses for Weight Loss and Healthy Eating

Read one verse a day, write it on a card, or pray it back to God. Grab the free printable below the list so you can keep them in front of you.

1. 1 Peter 3:3-4: Start with your heart

Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. 1 Peter 3:3-4 (ESV)

Losing weight starts with heart work. God cares deeply about a gentle and quiet spirit in you, and that is where lasting change begins.

2. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: Your body belongs to God

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (ESV)

I used to wonder if a Christian should even care about losing weight. This verse settled it for me. Your body belongs to God, and caring for it is one way you glorify Him.

3. 1 Corinthians 10:31: Eat to the glory of God

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV)

Every meal is a chance to honor God. At the end of the day, ask yourself: did what I ate today give God glory?

4. Ephesians 2:10: You are His workmanship

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)

For years I said cruel things to myself about my fat rolls and chubby thighs. I figured I deserved it. This verse reminds me I am God’s workmanship, and He has good works planned for me.

5. 2 Chronicles 20:12: When you don’t know what to do

For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you. 2 Chronicles 20:12b (ESV)

I tried every diet and read every weight loss book. I could not lose the weight by my own power. Like Jehoshaphat, I finally admitted I didn’t know what to do and put my eyes on the Lord.

6. Hebrews 12:11: Discipline pays off later

For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11 (ESV)

One skill I had to learn was delayed gratification. Saying no to food I wanted in the moment felt painful. The peace that came later was worth it.

7. Galatians 1:10: When people push food on you

For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10 (ESV)

People won’t always like your choices. Someone will push the dessert and say one bite won’t hurt. You can say no thank you and still love them well.

8. 1 Samuel 17:47: The battle is the Lord’s

and that all this assembly may know that the LORD saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give you into our hand. 1 Samuel 17:47 (ESV)

If healthy eating feels like a battle, I get it. I felt that way too. You are in a spiritual battle, and the Lord fights it for you.

9. Psalm 145:15-16: God satisfies

The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season. You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing. Psalm 145:15-16 (ESV)

I learned that certain foods never satisfy me, no matter how much I eat. They only make me want more. God is the one who truly satisfies, so I look to Him first.

10. Matthew 6:25: Life is more than food

Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Matthew 6:25 (ESV)

There’s plenty to worry about when you start losing weight. Which plan? Which foods? Jesus says life is more than food. Give Him the worry and take the next step.

11. Isaiah 55:1-2: What really satisfies

Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Isaiah 55:1-2 (ESV)

I spent years chasing food that never satisfied. God invites you to come to Him first. He gives what your soul is truly hungry for.

12. 1 Timothy 4:8: Godliness lasts

for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:8 (ESV)

I want to take care of my body, and exercise has real value. Growing in godliness matters more, because it lasts into eternity.

13. Colossians 3:2: Set your mind above

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. Colossians 3:2 (ESV)

I’ve spent too much time focused on my appearance and comparing myself to other women. This verse pulls my mind back to what counts for eternity.

14. Galatians 5:22-23: The fruit of the Spirit includes self-control

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)

The Holy Spirit grows patience in you when losing weight takes longer than you want. He grows gentleness in how you treat yourself. He grows self-control with food.

15. Philippians 4:19: God supplies every need

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 (ESV)

I have never gone hungry, yet I used to be afraid of hunger. I’ve learned hunger is not an emergency. God will supply every need, with food and, most of all, with Himself.

16. Psalm 119:143: Delight in God’s Word

Trouble and anguish have found me out, but your commandments are my delight. Psalm 119:143 (ESV)

For years I didn’t delight in salad, beans, and whole grains. I wanted ice cream, chips, and Cheetos. When trouble comes, God’s Word is where I find real delight, and He changes my wants over time.

17. Lamentations 3:22-23: New mercy every morning

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV)

When I started losing weight, I would eat almost nothing all day, then snack the night away. Every morning I felt like a failure. God’s mercies are new every morning, and so is your fresh start.

18. Nehemiah 8:10: His joy is your strength

And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10b (ESV)

You can’t lose weight on your own. I know, I tried countless times. The Holy Spirit lives in you through your baptism, and His joy is your strength.

19. 2 Corinthians 3:17: Food freedom is possible

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17 (ESV)

For most of my life, food was my best friend and my worst enemy. Food freedom felt impossible. By the power of God, it is possible for you too.

20. Ephesians 6:11: Stand against temptation

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. Ephesians 6:11 (ESV)

Temptation shows up at the drive-through and at every party. You don’t have to face it unarmed. Put on the armor God gives you and stand.

What Does the Bible Say About Losing Weight?

The Bible never uses the words “weight loss.” It does speak plainly about how we eat, how we treat our bodies, and where we look for satisfaction. Scripture calls your body a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), tells you to eat and drink to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31), warns against gluttony (Proverbs 23:20-21), and names self-control as part of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Losing weight God’s way starts in your heart and leans on His strength.

How To Use Scripture To Help You Lose Weight

I used scripture in various ways during my weight loss process, and I still use these verses today.

Find Encouragement and Hope

When you feel like quitting or a failure, turn to the truth of God’s Word for peace and encouragement.

Losing weight takes time. (I often say it’s a marathon and not a sprint.) Remember that whatever you do to lose the weight is what you need to do to maintain, so these aren’t quick changes but instead adjustments in habits that will be for the long haul.

After I had lost about 80 pounds, I hit a long plateau. I didn’t lose any weight for over a year. Discouragement hit me hard. During this time, I turned to God’s Word for guidance.

Wherever you are in losing weight, God is ready to meet you there.

Copy Bible Verses onto Note Cards

I copied the best weight-loss Bible verses and wrote them on note cards. I carried them in my car, put them in my mirror, and stuck the cards in my calendar.

I did all I could to see the truth of God’s Word everywhere I looked, keeping it in front of me all day.

I encourage you to write out these scriptures and put them somewhere you will see them daily. The bathroom mirror and the refrigerator are great places to hang a scripture on weight loss.

You can even use scripture as your background image on your phone and computer. 

Use the 3Ps to Conquer Food Cravings

When you are triggered to eat outside your meal plan, practice the 3 P’s. Pause, Pray, and Plan. This is especially helpful if you struggle with emotional eating.

1. Pause. Take a deep breath and recognize why you are being triggered to eat outside your plan for the day. Note what is wrong or what is triggering you.
2. Pray. Read over these Bible verses on weight loss and pray them over yourself. Ask God to help you at this moment. Pray these scriptures about weight loss over your whole process and mindset on weight loss. 
3. Plan. Decide the next right step. If you must eat, have one of your healthy snacks or raw veggies. Plan out your next meal or your next day of meals. 

To get your own printable Bible verses cards, click here: 7 Christian Weight Loss Affirmations

Losing Weight God’s Way: My 100+ Pound Weight Loss Story

For 20 years, I’ve been maintaining a 100-pound weight loss. I know about the struggles that come while losing weight and maintaining that loss. Read more about how I did it in my post on weight loss motivation.

If you feel tired, overwhelmed, or defeated about your weight, please know that weight loss is possible. Don’t give up. God is working a new thing in your life, and he can bring healing and restoration to you.

I admit that at first, I didn’t think to include God in my weight loss at all. I’ve been a Christian all my life, but somehow, I thought my weight was my problem.

My thinking was that I’d gotten myself into this mess, and I needed to fix it myself.

But as time went on, I realized just how much I needed God at the center of my weight loss. I understood His grace and compassion for me as I learned to extend it to myself. Today, I lead women in Biblical weight loss inside The Holy Weigh, my Christian weight loss program for women.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you want help putting these verses into practice every day, join us inside The Holy Weigh, my Christian weight loss program for women.

What are your most powerful Bible verses for weight loss? Share in the comments below.

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7 Christian Healthy Eating Affirmations: Do you want to eat a healthier diet but sometimes struggle with making more positive food choices? During my process of losing 100 pounds, these 7 Christian healthy eating affirmations changed my thinking about food and my diet, and I believe they will be incredibly helpful for you as well.

7 Christian Fitness Affirmations: Do you want to dedicate your fitness and exercise endeavors to God and His will for your life, but you aren’t sure exactly what that means or how to go about it? Do you feel guilty about your lack of physical activity? Maybe you feel like your attempts at moving more and getting fit are so small that they are not worthy of even talking to God about it. Use these 7 Christian Fitness Affirmations to change your health and physical activity thinking.

When You Have a Lot of Weight to Lose – Whether you have 10 pounds or 100 pounds to lose, all of us who struggle with food and eating issues face many of the same challenges. Changing your eating habits is tough. Still, there are some unique struggles for those of us who have a lot of weight to lose. In this post, I will share specific considerations for when you have a lot of weight to lose.

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.