Obesity is not just a problem in modern society. This problem was especially noticeable in the heyday of Roman power. Unfortunately, prosperity has led some to health ruin. And it wasn’t just men, among whom even Roman rulers were representative of the big belly (e.g. Vitellius ).
Christian writer John Chrysostom openly mentioned that scandalous excess weight was also the domain of the fair sex:
There is nothing more unpleasant than a woman who is gaining weight. That is why, among the poor, you can see beauty more often (…) Similar [gluttons] to pregnant women carry their heavily loaded stomachs and can barely walk, barely look, barely speak, barely… everything.
He gave both men and women some simple but practical advice:
Daily activity, work and effort, a moderate meal, and a restrained way of life contribute to an attractive appearance and are graceful.
