Aside from aesthetic reasons, the weight loss ministry was also designed as a life-saving strategy for the African-American community. High blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes linked to obesity are statistically more common and more severe in black Americans than in other races.
"In the African-American community, the church is very important," said Darlene Breaux, a Weight Watchers meeting leader to the Houston Chronicle. "In church we get the message about being a good steward. A lot of things that are ailing us can be addressed in a change in diet, lifestyle."
Breaux is helping to oversee the Weight Watchers "Lose the Weight. Give it Back Church Challenge" currently taking place in the Houston-area.
Currently, four predominantly black churches in the city are competing to win $5,000 for their church by having the highest percentage of participating members lose five percent of their starting weight.
The challenge is part of Weight Watchers' initiative to help the black community tackle health concerns related to obesity.
Some 400 people are enrolled in the event which also teaches portion control and making healthier food choices with the goal of living a more God-pleasing life.
"We're going to get ourselves healthier. We're going to take care of our temple," Breaux said.
"God didn't send it [food] smothered. He didn't send it here with lots of salt on it. God did not create pork chops with gravy on it. We have to start enjoying food how God put it here on earth," the Weight Watchers representative said. "We need to start looking at the fruit and vegetables."
Weight Watchers says Houston is the first city in its church initiative, but it anticipates expanding to other cities.
In addition to localised weight-loss programmes, Christians also have the option of enrolling in a nationwide faith-based programme called Body Temple Wellness.
The programme recently launched its 10-city tour and weight-loss challenge where local churches in each city will be encouraged to participate in the 12-week Body Temple National Weight Loss Church Challenge.
Body Temple Wellness founder Shannon Tanner, a 15-year veteran in the weight-loss and wellness industry and the author of the weight loss guide Diets Don't Work, But Jesus Does, believes that faith wins at weight loss. Tanner lost 70 pounds and has maintained her weight for more than 10 years.
"Fit for the Kingdom" director Wilson concluded, "When you do things right to please God it doesn't matter if your favourite food is in front of you, you know that it will displease God if you're not hungry to eat it. Then you won't do it."
