Stress existed, but it was not constant or digital. There were no endless notifications, breaking news alerts, or social media comparisons. Food was not used as emotional relief in the same way. When people felt restless or overwhelmed, they walked, talked, fixed things, or used their hands. Sleep was deeper and more regular, which helped regulate hunger hormones and energy levels.
Why modern life makes weight gain easier
Work itself required movement. Even office jobs involved walking between floors, retrieving files, climbing stairs, and running errands. Manual labour was more common, from factory work to construction and agriculture. Physical effort was built into employment, not added later as a gym session.
Personal screens did not exist. There were no smartphones, no laptops, and no endless scrolling. If someone was bored, they went outside, visited friends, or found something physical to do. Boredom led to movement. Today, boredom leads to sitting still.