A prominent obesity expert has suggested that Mona Lisa may have been overweight and dealing with health issues such as high cholesterol or an underactive thyroid. The depiction of the smiling woman in Leonardo Da Vinci’s iconic painting has stirred discussions on why historical artists often portrayed female figures with fuller figures.
Dr. Michael Yafi, a pediatric endocrinologist from the University of Texas Houston, shared his insights at the European Congress on Obesity in Istanbul, highlighting that in the past, obesity was viewed differently in terms of beauty standards. He mentioned that historically, prominent individuals like leaders, royal families, and religious figures were often depicted with high body mass indexes (BMI), including female models.
The renowned painting of Mona Lisa, insured for a substantial amount back in 1962 and now considered priceless, continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Completed by Da Vinci in the early 1500s, the artwork, believed to represent Lisa Gherardini, a woman from Italy, has sparked various theories regarding the subject’s physical appearance.
Dr. Yafi’s research delves into the portrayal of obesity in art history, noting how figures like the Mona Lisa and even male composers like Bach and Handel were depicted with fuller figures, potentially indicating health issues such as hypothyroidism or type 2 diabetes. He also mentioned a shift in body ideals in art, suggesting that future depictions may lean towards unnaturally thin figures due to the prevalence of weight loss treatments like Mounjaro and Wegovy.
Furthermore, Dr. Yafi discussed the potential emergence of “GLP-1 face” in art, a term describing the facial changes resulting from rapid fat loss, a phenomenon associated with weight loss injections. He also highlighted historical examples, like the Venus of Willendorf figurine, as symbols of power through exaggerated body features.
Overall, the discussion on the portrayal of obesity in art history sheds light on changing beauty standards and societal perceptions of health and aesthetics throughout different eras.