Why monks are so overweight if they fasting from noon to sunrise?

Discussion of ordination, the Vinaya and monastic life. How and where to ordain? Bhikkhuni ordination etc.
SarathW
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Re: Why monks are so overweight if they fasting from noon to sunrise?

Post by SarathW »

The monastery below sure has a real good one.

“As the lamp consumes oil, the path realises Nibbana”
ieee23
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Re: Why monks are so overweight if they fasting from noon to sunrise?

Post by ieee23 »

SarathW wrote: Sat Jul 07, 2018 1:23 am Why monks are so overweight if they fasting from noon to sunrise?

This is something I always wondered.
Why do so many of them wear glasses too? :-)
Whatever a bhikkhu frequently thinks and ponders upon, that will become the inclination of his mind. - MN 19
ieee23
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Re: Why monks are so overweight if they fasting from noon to sunrise?

Post by ieee23 »

SarathW wrote: Sat Jul 07, 2018 1:23 am Why monks are so overweight if they fasting from noon to sunrise?

This is something I always wondered.
I'll admit that I am guessing, but based on what I have seen and read:

1. It is extremely unhealthy and promotes fat storage to clump all of your daily calories together.

2. Many monks probably over-fill themselves up at lunch knowing that will be it for the rest of the day.

3. Most don't get a lot of exercise for various reasons.

4. Much of the alms food I have seen at monasteries is very, very rich. People make special occasion food to gift to monks.
Whatever a bhikkhu frequently thinks and ponders upon, that will become the inclination of his mind. - MN 19
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cappuccino
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Re: Why monks are so overweight if they fasting from noon to sunrise?

Post by cappuccino »

because they don't drink enough water
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Chula
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Re: Why monks are so overweight if they fasting from noon to sunrise?

Post by Chula »

Relevant article in the NYTimes:
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/12/worl ... esity.html
Monks are at the forefront of the problem. Nearly half are obese, according to a study conducted by Chulalongkorn University. More than 40 percent have high cholesterol, nearly 25 percent have high blood pressure and one in 10 are diabetic, the study found.
Didn't realize how widespread the issue was.
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DNS
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Re: Why monks are so overweight if they fasting from noon to sunrise?

Post by DNS »

ieee23 wrote: Mon Jul 09, 2018 3:38 pm Why do so many of them wear glasses too? :-)
What wrong with wearing glasses? They are Buddhists, not the Khmer Rouge.
https://redditblog.com/2015/10/14/cambo ... llectuals/
SarathW
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Re: Why monks are so overweight if they fasting from noon to sunrise?

Post by SarathW »

One major culprit? “Sugary drinks,” Professor Jongjit said.

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/12/worl ... esity.html
“As the lamp consumes oil, the path realises Nibbana”
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