Ancient Egyptian pharaohs were often overweight and suffered from diabetes due to a diet high in sugar and carbohydrates.

Modern paleopathology has debunked the myth of the lean Egyptian royal. A landmark study published in 'The Lancet' and research led by Dr. Zahi Hawass used CT scans on 52 mummies to examine their physical health. The results showed that nearly half of them suffered from atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque builds up in the arteries. The royal diet was the primary culprit for these conditions. Pharaohs and their families consumed large quantities of bread made from finely ground flour, honey-drenched cakes, and thick, sugary beer. These items were staples of the elite diet and were offered to the gods in temples before being consumed by the royal household. Queen Hatshepsut, who ruled around 1479–1458 BCE, is a prominent example of this trend. Her mummy shows evidence of obesity, skin diseases, and diabetes, which likely contributed to her death. Similarly, Amenhotep III showed signs of severe dental abscesses and obesity-related issues. These findings highlight a stark contrast between the idealized portraits found in Egyptian tombs and the biological reality of royal life. Despite their status, the lack of physical activity and a high-glycemic diet made the pharaohs susceptible to the same metabolic diseases we face today. This research proves that lifestyle-related health problems are not unique to the modern era.