Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Ancient China's Slimness Obsession: Extreme Measures Revealed

3/20/2026

36 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

In ancient China, women faced pressure to stay slim.
Historical accounts describe extreme measures like swallowing cacti or silk.
During the Tang dynasty, the ideal figure was slender and fair-skinned.
Wu Zetian (Empress Wu) and Yang Yuhuan (Yang Guifei) exemplified this ideal.
Men influenced by King Ling of Chu reportedly ate one meal a day to avoid weight gain.

1 of 1

Story summary

In ancient China, women faced pressure to stay slim.
Historical accounts describe extreme measures like swallowing cacti or silk.
During the Tang dynasty, the ideal figure was slender and fair-skinned.
Wu Zetian (Empress Wu) and Yang Yuhuan (Yang Guifei) exemplified this ideal.
Men influenced by King Ling of Chu reportedly ate one meal a day to avoid weight gain.