The statement \"fat means poor\" is not always true. It depends on the era, country, and cultural context. At different times, fullness meant opposite things: from a sign of wealth to a marker of low social status. Antiquity: Fat Means Poor In Ancient Rome and Ancient Greece, a wealthy person could not afford to be fat. It was believed that if you were fat, you were poor because you ate bad and cheap food. The rich cultivated a toned, athletic body. They anointed themselves with oil, watched their shape, and visited gymnasia. Fullness was perceived as a sign of ill health and low birth. 19th Century Russia: Fat Means Rich In the Russian Empire at the end of the 19th century, it was the opposite. Fullness was seen as a sign of health, kindness, and material success. A fat person had enough money for food, clothing, and good housing. A thin person was considered sickly, poor, and socially degraded. Excessive physical labor, the province of the lower classes, did not allow for fattening. This contrast is what builds the story of Chekhov's \"Fat and Thin.\" The fat man had just eaten at a restaurant on the train station, and he smelled of sherry and orange blossom. The thin man was burdened with suitcases, could not afford a porter, and his family was also described as thin. Contemporary Times: Paradox in Developed Countries These days in developed countries, there is a reverse link. People with low income are more likely to suffer from obesity. Causes: cheap, high-calorie food with low nutritional value, limited access to fresh products, low physical activity, and stress. At the same time, the old logic remains in developing countries. As well-being grows, so does the number of people with overweight. Comparative Table by Epochs Epoch Fullness Means Slimness Means Ancient Rome and Greece Poverty, poor nutrition Wealth, discipline, health 19th Century Russia Wealth, hea ... Read more