Obesity in America, 1850-1939 : a history of social attitudes and treatment / Kerry Segrave.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Segrave, Kerry, 1944- author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Obesity--United States--History--19th century.

Obesity.

Obesity--United States--History--20th century.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (209 p.)

Place of Publication:

Jefferson, North Carolina : McFarland & Company, Inc., 2008.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

This is a study of obesity in America from 1850 to 1939, concentrating on how the condition was viewed, studied, and treated. It examines the images and stereotypes that were associated with fatness, the various remedies that were proposed for the condition, and the often bizarre theories used to explain it, including the idea that ordinary tap water was fattening. From about 1850 to 1879, obesity existed almost exclusively among the upper class, and it received very little medical attention. From 1880 to 1919, doctors, scientists, and other health professionals began to present a coherent the

Contents:

Cover; Contents; Preface; 1. Obesity Emerges, Slightly, 1850-1879; 2. Psychology and Effects, 1880-1919; 3. Oddities, Sports, Clubs, Employment, 1880-1919; 4. Causes and Cures, 1880-1919; 5. Reducing, Diets, and Exercise, 1880-1919; 6. Style and Prevalence, 1880-1919; 7. Psychology and Effects, 1920-1939; 8. Oddities, Sports, Clubs, Employment, 1920-1939; 9. Causes and Effects, 1920-1939; 10. Reducing, Diets, and Exercise, 1920-1939; 11. Style, Prevalence, and Statistics, 1920-1939; Conclusion; Appendix: Average Weights of Men and Women (1931); Notes; Bibliography; Index

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

0-7864-9207-4