Every human has it. But nearly every human society sees it differently. Fat. What purpose does it serve?

In this video, a collaboration between SAPIENS and Aeon, anthropological research helps explain why human babies are so chubby and explore how cultures across the globe and through time view fat as good and bad, ugly and beautiful.

Animated and directed by Ermina Takenova

Written by Nicola Williams

Producer: Kellen Quinn

Associate Producer: Adam D’Arpino

Sound Design: Adam D’Arpino and Eli Cohn

Background Research: Steve Nash, Morgan Hoke, and Eileen Anderson-Fye

SAPIENS Editors: Amanda Mascarelli, Christine Weeber, Daniel Salas, and Chip Colwell