The Weigh Down Workshop, founded by Gwen Shamblin in the early 1990s, started as a faith-based weight loss program that gained significant popularity for its unconventional approach to dieting. Instead of focusing on traditional diet methods, Shamblin promoted the idea that individuals should turn to God for guidance on eating habits, suggesting that reliance on spiritual fulfillment could lead to weight loss. Her philosophy was that overeating stemmed from emotional and spiritual voids that could only be filled by a deeper relationship with God.

Shamblin's program gained a substantial following, leading to the establishment of the Remnant Fellowship Church in 1999, which further cemented her teachings. However, over the years, the Weigh Down Workshop and the church have faced significant controversy. Critics have accused Shamblin of promoting extreme and unhealthy weight loss practices, as well as fostering a cult-like environment within the church. Allegations of manipulation, control over church members' personal lives, and financial exploitation have also emerged, casting a shadow over the initial promise of the program.

Despite these controversies, the Weigh Down Workshop's blend of spirituality and weight loss continues to attract followers, illustrating the complex interplay between faith, health, and personal transformation in contemporary religious movements.