Du gras prestigieux au gras honteux : histoire médicale de l'obésité

Obesity was certainly uncommon in the Neolithic although statuettes of obese women were attributed to this period. The danger of overweight was first recognized some 2400 years ago by Hippocrate and related to poor diet habits. Obesity predominantly occurred among members of the upper social class and was considered as a sign of good health and wealth during the Middle-Age and the Renaissance. The medical recognition begun after the 17th century as the number of obese people increased. The shortness of the breath was the main sign of this new disease and some physicians promoted preservation of health as a reason to avoid obesity. In the late 18th century, anatomical dissections confirmed that obesity was linked to a large accumulation in the intra-abdominal space. Around the early 19th century, the fact was becoming noted that obesity, at least well defined by anthropometrical measures, was not an isolated disorder and was attributed to overeating. The first commercially diet programs were then available. During the 20th century, obesity was revisited with the description of the dangerous apple shape and related to a risk factor for metabolic and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality while developed countries entered in the throes of a pandemic of obesity.