It's worth considering that obesity was far, far less common 40-50 years ago than it is now. I don't know exactly why. It could have to do with something in the food supply, or some other environmental or cultural factor.
The most "engaging" content rises to the top...which is generally the most outrage-provoking. Not to excuse or dismiss the people who were doing terrible things, or those who experienced pain or hardship; but those were the MOST PROVOCATIVE things anyone could find. MILLIONS of other people nearby experienced calmness, joy, etc. but that is just left out of consciousness.