young adults who frequently attend religious activities are 50 percent more likely to be obese by middle age

8 Ways Religion Impacts Your Life | Religious People & Prayer | Resist Junk Food & Soothe Depression | LiveScience:

'via Blog this'Thinking of God could help you avoid a researcher's junk food temptation, but willpower in the lab might not translate to healthy habits in real life. According to a study presented at an American Heart Association meeting in March 2011, young adults who frequently attend religious activities are 50 percent more likely to be obese by middle agethan those who stay away from church. The culprit is likely Sunday potlucks and other comfort foods associated with worship, according to the researchers. But the study shouldn't be taken to represent overall health, they warned. Religious people tend to live longer than the non-religious, in part because they smoke less. 

 Getting together with others at a church, temple or synagogue allows people to build social networks, closer ties and, ultimately, more life satisfaction. 

Depending on where you live, religion may also make you feel better about yourself by making you feel part of your larger culture.