Mona Lisa could reshape how doctors view obesity, expert says
Related: The Mona Lisa voted the world’s most disappointing tourist attraction by Britons
Dr Michael Yafi suggests that examining art history could help medical professionals develop a less judgmental and more empathetic approach to obesity.
Historically, corpulence was often viewed as a sign of prosperity, wealth, high social status and beauty, as evidenced in various artworks across different eras.
Examples cited include Leonardo da Vinci‘s Mona Lisa, whose subject may have been overweight due to pregnancy, and the ancient Venus of Willendorf, depicting exaggerated body forms.
Dr Yafi highlighted that figures like the Greek god of wealth, Pluto, were often portrayed as obese, and many Ottoman emperors were depicted with abdominal obesity.
Looking to the future, Dr Yafi predicts that contemporary art will likely feature “GLP-1 face,” reflecting the gaunt appearance caused by modern weight-loss medications.
