Fat Tyrants

But, whereas developing a soft, fat body was one possible result of immoderation, they remained primarily concerned about the moral effects that “luxury” could have on the person. Building upon the idea that sexual intercourse was a heat-generating activity capable of “melting” fat, and that excess flesh to some extent resulted from the accumulation of humors, Soranus also said that frequent and vigorous coitus was an ideal method for women to maintain their figures. In the case of elite bodies bloated by luxurious living, fatness was a reminder of how the ideals and practices of other peoples might end up softening Rome itself.

Source: www.laphamsquarterly.org