Obesity: Historical Overview

The high rate of overweight and obesity in America in the twenty-first century has attracted worldwide attention. How U.S. society reached this point is a story of the conflict between excess and restraint and of the relative values Americans place on what they eat, how much and how often they eat, and physical activity. Over the centuries American culture has moved toward ever slimmer ideals, increasing anxiety about weight but not keeping it down. The link between excess pounds and health means that many more Americans are at risk for serious illnesses and conditions.