First Place 4 Health
About
The First Place 4 Health movement has taken the nation by storm! Started in 1981 as a ministry of Houston’s First Baptist Church, First Place 4 Health became its own 501(c)3 nonprofit ministry in 2010. Using a reliable, proven method of weight loss and healthy living, First Place 4 Health continues to grow. First Place 4 Health has had groups in over 12,000 churches, fitness centers, offices and homes across the country—with over a half million members!
The tremendous success of First Place 4 Health is due to its biblical approach to weight loss and overall health management, which puts Christ first and improves every area of a person’s life. This Christian weight-loss and healthy living program has guided hundreds of thousands of people to a healthy lifestyle and a closer walk with the Lord.
What’s unique about First Place 4 Health?
- Christ-centered priorities: Bible study, prayer and Scripture memory
- Choices for health: Addressing the whole person—emotions, mind, body and spirit
- Community: Support and accountability through small groups
First Place 4 Health offers a series of Bible Studies. These studies address many issues of everyday life and provide opportunities for growth in Christ. Members complete a weekly Bible study which—combined with prayer and Scripture reading—helps to impart God's strength, empowering members to overcome temptation and make long-lasting lifestyle changes.
First Place 4 Health is a 501(c)3 organization. All donations to First Place 4 Health are tax-exempt.
Health Note: Before undertaking this or any other weight-management program, you should consult your physician and disclose any pre-existing medical history which might effect your participation in the program, including but not limited to heart disease, high blood pressure, anorexia/bulimia, diabetes or hypoglycemia.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is First Place 4 Health?
A life-changing, Christ-centered weight-loss and healthy living program. First Place 4 Health usually meets in small group settings in churches of all denominations.
Q. Who can join the program?
Men, women, and teens who want to lose excess weight, improve their health, learn better eating habits or become more disciplined in the areas of prayer, Bible study and exercise regardless of weight, level of fitness or spirituality.
Q. How is FP4H different from other weight management programs?
Although weight management is most often the motivation for joining a First Place 4 Health group, the focus is not just on the body, or on the number on the scale. That’s a crucial difference between First Place 4 Health and other weight-loss programs. By applying disciplines that affect the whole person—the body, the mind, the heart and the spirit—you will not only experience physical health but will also experience total health—health for life!
Q: What is involved?
The weekly meetings are one hour, and the program runs 12 weeks per session. Your First Place 4 Health group will be a haven of support and encouragement as you move forward together. At each weekly meeting, you will review information from the previous meeting, hear a health and wellness spotlight for the week, discuss the Bible study topic, and share how your journey to improved health has been going.
Q: Do I have to be weighed?
Participants weigh in each week, either first thing Sunday morning, or in the evening on arrival at the session. Self-reporting weight is also an option, for those who wish to use their own scale. Weights are done in a private setting, are kept confidential, never shared beyond the time of the weigh-in. The measurement is a tool for accountability and to evaluate how participant’s strategies are working. It is truly a no-judgment zone!
Q: Do I have to buy special food?
No. In First Place 4 Health you'll be taught to eat "normal" food. You'll learn to cook low-fat recipes from food you buy at the grocery store, and you'll learn how to make healthy choices in restaurants.
Q: Is there a special diet?
The First Place 4 Health nutrition plan is simple, practical, realistic, flexible and good for life. It is based on the USDA MYPyramid Food Guidelines as well as the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
Q: What is the cost?
The cost to each member will be for the First Place 4 Health Member's Kit, which is a one-time purchase, and the Bible study. The kit contains 5 books and helpful topics on 2 DVDs. The total cost is $100. Any additional sessions after this will only be $20 for a new Bible Study. Those who have participated in prior sessions pay only $20. Flexible payments can be arranged, and there is financial assistance available.
Q: How did FP4H get started?
The First Place 4 Health program is the result of a godly desire placed in the hearts of a group of people in 1981 to establish a Christian weight-management program. First Place 4 Health has grown to over half a million members in more than 12,000 churches of many denominations in all 50 states and in foreign countries.
Q: What is the website for FP4H?
Q: Whom may I contact for questions?
Q: May I visit a session to help me make a decision?
You're welcome to visit the group during its first 2 sessions to help you decide if this is what you want to do. The first meeting is September 23, 2018.