That might be true about the older ones but amongst the younger generation its far different and especially amongst the Sephardim and a few Ashkenazim. Now they go to the gym and where tight black trousers and tight shirts and look like chuck chuckim.

Without any malice towards Haredim whom I consider as fellow members of the Jewish people, may they multiply and thrive, their problem and ours also, is that they are primitive in most areas of human living, including religion and health. Doctors, dentists and opthamologists can confirm their ignorance and subsequent neglect of elementary health habits such as the brushing of teeth. As Jews, they deserve even more empathy and help, than some of us display towards the Ethiopians or Sudanese refugees. It is incumbent among the more enlightened Haredim to spear a national effort to deal with a problem that will not go away.

Learning Torah for long hours in beit midrash produces learned people, but the lifestyle is rather sedentary. Fitness and exercise are often viewed as "goyish" and a waste of time. It's difficult to join a gym with secular modesty standards, and you can't play an exercise video if you don't have anything to play it on or if ther video is not tznius. Every Shabbat, large filling meals and lots of rest. It can easily lead to a weight issue.

everything in the charadi world revolves around food. without food, their would be no chardim. their entire life cycle centers around eating. If they were to go out to work, they might lose weight, if they were to be spiritual, they might lose weight. the rabbis don't say anything. It is a disgusting sight to see a 200kg saint waddling around.

Eating disorders can also be prevalent in the haredi community - there is a lot of pressure and not a lot of information - and of course a lot of food. This can lead to conflicting messages and frustration. I think its important to take this into consideration when designing campaigns and interventions.

Less intelligent and lazy people have an obesity problem as well as lots of other problems that smart hard-working people do not have. True for every country.

looks like they swallowed a whale. The blob factor is getting wider and wider. Lack of physical excercise along with endless TV watching, nash eating and whining makes people fat. Take a good look around next time you shop and look what people are buying. Sweet, salty, or oily food that can stop a frieght train dead in its track. Its not only a problem amongst the religious but the entire society is starting to look like a beached whale. You have great weather, vast seas and warm sunny days,,,get out there and enjoy them.

...in balance or else be fat be happy but gluttony is sinful / sometimes we are hiding behind overeating so we don't have to face a void or a mission in our lives...nevertheless speedily in our days King Moshiach!

I thought Chareidim were poor. Where do they get the money for lavish shaleshudes?

Anyone can learn Torah and exercise at the same time, if they purchase, for example a stationary bicycle, can listen to a Torah tape! Or even possible when jogging or walking on the street - 2 exercises one can do without special equipment!