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Question

What does Islam say about being over weight?

Answer

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the World; and blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions.
Obesity needs sometimes to be treated. In that case, Islam permits all lawful means to get rid of it. But the person can be overweight and yet be in good health one should be thankful to Allah for this Blessing. However, we want to draw everyone's attention that craving to satisfy one's appetite, eating much, and letting oneself consume whatever pleases him, is not a good habit. The Prophet said: "A human being has not filled any vessel which is worse than a belly. Enough for the son of Adam are some mouthfuls which can keep his back straight: but if there is no escape he should fill it a third with food, a third with drink, and leave a third empty." [Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah transmitted it.]
Allah knows best.

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