Like thousands of other Church members, Aleta Goodman Breakwell is working to drop a few pounds.

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Wholesome foods such as fruits and grains are integral \\\\— albeit sometimes overlooked \\\\— elements of the Word of Wisdom.

But don't scan her refrigerator door for any of those familiar, meant-to-be-motivating "before and after" diet photos. You won't find any. Instead, she's posted an inspiring quote — not the pithy words of a diet pitchman, but Joseph F. Smith's simple endorsement of the Word of Wisdom.

"There is no other course that we can take in the world, in relation to our temporal welfare and health, better than that which the Lord God has pointed out to us. Why can we not realize this? Why will we not come to a perfect understanding of it? Why will we not deny ourselves that which our craven appetites desire? Why can we not observe more closely the will of the Lord as made known to us in revelation?"

Sister Breakwell spent much of the past decade waging battle with the bathroom scale. Name any of the popular diets — this mother of three daughters probably tried it. Still the pounds kept coming, leaving her frustrated and down.

So after acquiring a small library of diet books, "I decided to go back to the Word of Wisdom," said Sister Breakwell of the Edgemont 7th Ward, Provo Utah Edgemont Stake.

By following the direction found in Section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants, Sister Breakwell is incorporating spirituality and healthful living into her weight-loss efforts. Prayer, scripture study and priesthood blessings are now included in her program of daily exercise and healthful eating. It's working. She's losing weight and feeling stronger. And she's come to know God wants her to be happy and healthy.

"If it's important to me I know it's important to the Lord," she said.

Obesity on the rise

A week or two rarely passes without the release of yet another report revealing what most already know: much of the world is getting chunkier, particularly in developed nations such as the United States. Data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey indicates obesity rates rose dramatically during the past few years, with nearly one-third of all American adults now classified as obese. The consequences are spooky. Higher obesity rates are prompting dangerous spikes in heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke and some forms of cancer.

Young people are fighting their own bulge battles. Among American children and teens ages 6-19, 15 percent are overweight, according to the national survey.

Today's fat-be-gone programs are legion. Some are gimmicky. Others are trendy. A few may be dangerous. In the end, common sense, patience and consistency again prove to be the most reliable fat-loss tools. The best way to reach a healthy weight is to follow a sensible eating plan and engage in regular physical activity, says the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Such counsel isn't new. A manifesto of healthy living, the Word of Wisdom was revealed over 150 years ago. And contemporary Church leaders have repeatedly emphasized the symbiosis between a strong body and a strong spirit.

"There is a close relationship between physical health and spiritual development," said Elder Delbert L. Stapley of the Quorum of the Twelve in 1967. "When one's physical health is impaired by disobedience to God's eternal laws, spiritual development will also suffer."

Kevin Balfe agrees. A seminary teacher from Draper, Utah, Brother Balfe uses the time that many spend parked in front of the television training for Ironman competitions that combine swimming, bicycling and distance running. Perhaps he's an extreme example of maintaining physical fitness. Nonetheless, Brother Balfe sees a direct connection between his Ironman goals and his spiritual development.

"When I read my scriptures and say my prayers my training seems easier," he said. When he slacks off in one area, the other suffers. He draws upon his own experiences to encourage his students at Crescent View Junior High to stay fit, physically and spiritually.

Observing the Word of Wisdom in full

Sister Breakwell spent much of her life obeying half of the Word of Wisdom. Smoking or drinking were never a problem, and she'd never been a big meat eater. But she admits she often ignored the Word of Wisdom counsel to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and the other healthful foods. Instead, she would overindulge in sweets and fat-filled goodies.

"I'm an ice cream and chocolate girl," she said, laughing. She's candid about her issues with overeating and even chronicled her struggles in the Ensign magazine last year. Many responded appreciatively to the article, saying they could relate.

Recognizing her weakness for rich, fatty foods, Sister Breakwell now does her best to limit her sweets to maybe a cookie or two a day. Absolute denial, she's learned, often backfires. Plus, she's made exercise part of her daily routine. She alternates between walking and riding her bike around her neighborhood. "I'm not a warrior," she says, but adds she does feel more energy. Besides shedding weight, exercise also helps Sister Breakwell clear her mind and maintain a positive outlook. She enjoys the solitude.

Losing weight via healthful eating and exercise "is daily hard work — but it's the only way to accomplish it," Sister Breakwell said.

E-mail: jswensen@desnews.com