1870s: Before everyone had easy access to food, obesity represented wealth.
In 1866, a "Fat Man's Club" was founded in Connecticut, which became popular and spread across the US — its members had to weigh at least 200 pounds. Here's a photo of that same club from 1894.
1930s: By the '30s, food was easier to find, and Hollywood actors created the slim ideal.
Actors like Cary Grant typified the ideal body shape of the time.
1960s: By the '60s, Americans were tired of the corporate mainstream and authority.
They rebelled, growing their hair long, taking drugs, and not exercising.
1980s: In the '80s, health clubs and working out became popular.
Bodybuilding became a mainstream activity.
1990s: By the '90s, hypermasculinity was out and the everyman was in.
Brad Pitt in "Fight Club" typifies the '90s perfect body, according to Lamm.
After the '80s, men no longer wanted to invest the time to become bodybuilders.
This has continued into the 21st century — where the ideal is similar to the 90s.
In 2012, a study from the Institute of Neuroscience used 3D-visualization software to estimate our preferences for both male and female bodies.
For both sexes, the ideal was lean and muscular.
So, unlike in the 1870s, beer guts are no longer a part of the "perfect body."
