What makes the human body attractive and do our natural preferences align with what social media offers? A new survey has shown that ideals for male and female figures have specific parameters, which often differ from popular stereotypes.
As reported by the Daily Mail, specialists commissioned by the British platform SoloFun surveyed over 2000 adults. Participants were shown images of people with different levels of body fat and asked to choose the most attractive option.
The results of the analysis indicate: when it comes to attractiveness, people more often choose the "golden mean" rather than extreme forms, which are actively promoted today on social networks and in mass culture.
Male ideal: end of the "dad bod" era?
This was particularly evident in attitudes towards the male figure. Until recently, the internet actively discussed the "dad bod" phenomenon — a soft, not overly toned male silhouette with a slight belly.
However, the new survey suggests that the popularity of this trend is gradually decreasing. It turns out that the most attractive male figure is neither excessive softness nor the ultra-lean, superhero-style physique often advertised online.
Most respondents more often chose a body that looked healthy, toned, and naturally athletic, with about 15% body fat. A 20% fat percentage took second place, while the highest percentage – 35% – was the least popular.
Female attractiveness: preference for soft shapes
Interestingly, when it comes to the female figure, priorities look different. Survey participants named 30% body fat as the most attractive indicator.
This confirms that they prefer a softer body type with curves, rather than a lean and slender figure. A 25% fat level came in second, while 45% — the maximum option offered — was considered the least attractive.
Scientists explain that the difference between the "ideal" 15% for men and 30% for women is due to biology. The female body naturally stores more essential fat, which is necessary for health and hormonal balance.
While a healthy fat level for men is typically around 10-20%, for women this norm ranges from 20-30%. A woman with 15% body fat usually looks extremely thin and may face hormonal problems, while a man with the same indicator often looks athletic and healthy. At the same time, a woman with 30% body fat can still look healthy and have beautiful feminine curves, whereas for men, such an indicator would often mean noticeable overweight.
Beyond percentages
Scientists have long tried to explain why people prefer certain body proportions. According to one theory, women may perceive developed musculature in men as a sign of strength, health, and the ability to protect.
At the same time, Yale University anthropologist Richard Bribiescas suggests that for some women, the attractiveness of the "dad bod" is associated with a longer life and better resistance to diseases.
Another study showed that women more often find men with broad shoulders and a narrow waist attractive. But there's a nuance: this effect works stronger for tall men. According to researchers, short stature can significantly influence the perception of attractiveness regardless of muscle mass.
As a result, these studies indicate that in real life, people are attracted not by extreme standards from social networks and fitness magazine covers, but by more natural, healthy, and balanced body proportions.
Comments
Апытанні аб прывабнасці вельмі адчувальныя да фармулёвак, выбару ўзору і візуальных матэрыялаў. Вынікі лёгка можна сказіць (што і здарылася). Так, SoloFun прадставіла фігурыстую мадэль з 30% тлушчу — з шырокімі сцёгнамі і выразным таліям (суадносіны таліі і сцёгнаў былі штучна захаваныя), — што прывяло да таго, што многія ўспрынялі яе як "фертыльую і сэксуальную". Яны не паказалі, як выглядае рэальная 30% з сапраўдным пагаршэннем прапорцый.