The health movement

About this book

American interest in health and fitness has reached extraordinary proportions and continues to grow. In this important book, Michael Goldstein argues that three recent American trends - dieting, exercise, and nonsmoking - are best regarded as interrelated aspects of a single movement. The Health Movement begins with a cogent overview of the movement and its origins and ideology. Goldstein then focuses on the submovements of diet, exercise, and nonsmoking, showing how throughout their history the movements have had common goals and strategies and have experienced similar successes and failures. Drawing on a rich variety of sources, Goldstein draws striking conclusions about movement participation and appeal. A final chapter explores current dilemmas facing the movement and assesses its prospects for the future.