For example, theFDAsays that body weight should be considered when deciding how much of a medicine to take.
Americans' body weight has steadily increased over the last several decades.
Women now weigh around what the average 1960s man weighed.
However, body ideals have shifted, too.
AsCNNreports, the 1900s began with body-shaping corsets before ushering in the era of the slim flapper girl.
Is weight an accurate way to measure health?
The body positivity movement has gained traction in recent years, celebrating a variety of shapes and sizes.
Meanwhile, some have argued that the normalization of larger bodies promotes obesity (viaForbes).
Obesity is determined by body mass index (BMI), which compares height and weight.
The number on a scale says little about overall health and well-being.
