ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on overall body size and shape and considers how populations diversely adorn the body, whether through surface decoration or physical modification. It explains that affiliative body modifications and decorations often entail an attempt to humanize' the body so that, in addition to affiliating with a particular group, we are, in conforming, affiliating with or demonstrating our humanity. The chapter reviews the example of body decoration and modification cross-culturally, with an eye to their biological impact. It explores the cross-cultural and historic differences in weight ideals in relation to food supply. The chapter examines the weight-related health challenges in light of our evolved metabolic biology. It describes the function of body modification and decoration cross-culturally, and discusses the main dimensions along which such practices vary. The chapter talks about food-rich environments particularly those with industrially produced food are mismatched to our evolved digestive and metabolic physiology and biochemistry.
