"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

-- 1 Corinthians 10:31

Wanda M. Dunn was diagnosed with diabetes in 2006.

"It was out of control," she said, looking back. "I knew I had to do something."

That something came along in the form of a faith-based weight-loss program through the Medical College of Georgia.

In February, Ms. Dunn's church, Gospel Water Branch Baptist in Evans, agreed to pilot the program with the help of MCG researchers.

They called it Fit Body & Soul.

The 12-week weight-loss and diabetes-prevention program, which is tailored for members of black churches, ended this month.

If the program's long-term goal is accomplished, funding from the National Institutes of Health could bring the program to 20 other churches, said Dr. Sunita Dodani, the assistant dean of research in the School of Nursing.

"We want to empower church leaders," she said. "They can teach a whole congregation how to take control of their health."

Forty people at Gospel Water participated and lost a combined 882 pounds. Many shared stories of their weight loss and improved health at a lunch May 3 to mark the end of the program.

Ms. Dunn's sister, Sandra L. Dunn, was the program's biggest loser -- 34 pounds.

" 'I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me,' " she said. "I've been saying that all day every day."

During the program, participants met at the church once a week to learn about diet, nutrition, exercise and the Bible's views on health.

They committed to taking more healthful foods to church on Sundays and labeling foods with nutrition data at church meals.

"It's just good to be able to walk around here feeling better, looking better," the Rev. Robert Ramsey said. "The Lord says lay aside every weight.

"I think he included body weight."