History of Dieting: An Anthology of Racist & Classist Influences on the Body

Ideas about the “ideal” body have changed dramatically throughout history—but our beliefs about body size have never developed in isolation. They have been shaped by culture, religion, social class, race, gender, medicine and changing ideas about morality, health and social status.

This Online Workshop takes you through the history of dieting and body ideals, from ancient attitudes toward body size through colonialism, the transatlantic slave trade, industrialization and the emergence of modern diet culture. You'll explore how thinness and fatness have represented very different things throughout history, and how body size became increasingly connected to ideas about race, class, self-control, beauty, health and social status.

You'll also examine the rise of weighing, early diet programs and weight-loss products, changing beauty standards, medical attitudes toward body weight and the growth of the modern diet industry. By understanding where many of our beliefs about bodies and dieting came from, you'll be encouraged to look more critically at the assumptions and messages about weight, health and body size that continue to influence our culture today.

You will receive a PDF presentation and short quiz to complete and email to info@inshapetraining.net in order to receive your CFES continuing education credits.

Date & Time: Always Available

CECs: 3 CFES credits