Hygiene and health diffusion and the prevention of obesity in Spain: the work of Jesús Noguer Moré (1903-1983)

Abstract

Introduction: among the epidemiological challenges facing Spanish society in the first half of the 20th century, the problem of malnutrition stood out. Although hunger and malnutrition were the most prevalent forms, overweight and obesity were beginning to emerge, particularly among the wealthier classes. In all cases, and especially in the overnutrition situation, the issue was not so much economic as one of lack of knowledge. For this reason, for the hygienists, dissemination and education in food and nutrition was fundamental. In this field, the contribution of the Catalan endocrinologist Jesús Noguer Moré (1903-1983) stands out. The aim is to analyze the work he devoted to obesity. Material and methods: bibliographic analysis of the works of Jesús Noguer Moré. Results and conclusion: he considered obesity as a pathology of multifactorial etiology with serious consequences for morbidity and mortality. It would involve everything from genetics to previous pathologies, as well as inadequate dietary and lifestyle habits. Its therapeutic approach should be based on calorie restriction and physical activity. He underlined the role of certain types of family or professional activities in promoting overweight and obesity. In terms of prevention, he emphasized the importance of culinary and gastronomic practices, while at the same time placing the responsibility for these practices on housewives. A gender discourse that led Noguer to place women as the target group for his dissemination activities and where the ideal of feminine beauty in force in the inter-war period was very much present.