Forget perfect six-packs and gym muscles! Scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences have finally uncovered what women really find most attractive in a man’s body. And no, it’s not slimness or bulked-up muscles, but something that will delight all those rocking the so-called ‘dad bod’ – a slightly fuller, more relaxed figure.
According to a study published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences, the ideal Body Mass Index (BMI) for men that women find most attractive ranges between 23 and 27. Yes, you read that right – the upper limit of this range is already considered overweight by the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) standards.
The study involved participants from China, Lithuania, and the UK, who rated the attractiveness of 15 black-and-white images of male bodies with varying BMI values, while faces were blurred. Results showed women in China preferred a BMI of 23.4, Lithuania 23.0, and the UK even 26.6.
This is a real revolution in understanding male attractiveness! While female body ideals have swung from curvy figures like Marilyn Monroe in the 1950s to extremely thin looks in the 1990s, the male body has been largely ignored in such research until now.
Why does this matter? Fat tissue in men can be linked to testosterone levels, which is an indicator of a potential partner’s quality. From an evolutionary perspective, both sexes have a similar sense of attraction within their own populations, explaining why preferences are similar across cultures.
Although men and women have different standards regarding the opposite sex’s body weight, this study shows women don’t seek perfectly thin men but prefer those with a healthy, slightly fuller look. So guys, it’s time to stop torturing yourselves with diets and gym sessions – your ‘dad bod’ might just be what women want!
Of course, this doesn’t mean ignoring health altogether, but it’s refreshing to see that perfection isn’t the only path to attractiveness. If you have a few extra pounds, don’t worry – you might just be the ideal!
Now, while you ponder your BMI, take a look at your favorite male characters from movies and TV shows. Who’s rocking the ‘dad bod’? Maybe it’s time to admire them more than ever.
And hey, if this topic sparked your interest or made you chuckle, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. Who knows, you might just start a new fashion revolution in male attractiveness!
