For generations, men have pondered the age-old question: what do women really want?
While the answer is undoubtedly complex and ever-changing, science has just delivered a surprising twist—at least when it comes to the ideal male physique.
If you’ve ever looked down at your ‘dad bod’ and felt a pang of self-doubt, it’s time to stand a little taller.
According to a new study, the so-called ‘dad bod’ might just be the ticket to peak attractiveness.
The science behind the dad bod appeal
Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences set out to uncover what body type women (and, interestingly, men themselves) find most attractive in men.
Their findings, published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences, are a breath of fresh air for anyone who’s ever felt pressured to chase the chiselled, six-pack ideal.
The study involved 283 participants from China, Lithuania, and the United Kingdom. Each participant was shown 15 black-and-white images of men with varying body mass indexes (BMIs), ranging from 20.1 to 33.7.
The faces were blurred to ensure the focus was solely on body shape. Participants then ranked the images from least to most attractive.
The results? The most attractive male bodies had a BMI between 23 and 27. For context, the NHS considers a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 as ‘healthy’, while 25 to 29.9 is technically ‘overweight’.
In other words, the most appealing male bodies, according to this study, are not those of ultra-lean athletes, but rather those with a bit of extra padding—what many would affectionately call a ‘dad bod’.
A global consensus
What’s particularly fascinating is that this preference held true across all three countries, despite their different cultural backgrounds and baseline obesity rates. The ‘sweet spot’ for attractiveness was a BMI of 23.4 in China, 23.0 in Lithuania, and 26.6 in the UK.
The researchers noted, ‘We did not find any large cultural differences in the preferred adiposity, despite the fact there are large differences in the baseline obesity levels in the countries we included and hence big differences in the exposure to individuals with higher body weights.’
So, whether you’re in Beijing, Vilnius, or London, the consensus is clear: a little extra weight is not only acceptable—it’s attractive.
Why the dad bod? Evolution has a say
But why do we find a bit of extra weight appealing? The researchers suggest it may be linked to evolutionary biology. Body fat is closely tied to testosterone levels, which can signal mate ‘quality’.
In other words, a man with a moderate amount of body fat may be perceived as healthier and more robust—a good provider and protector, in evolutionary terms.
Interestingly, both male and female participants in the study preferred bodies with a BMI in the 23–27 range.
The researchers believe this is because it’s evolutionarily advantageous for both sexes to perceive attractiveness similarly within their own populations.
Changing ideals: A brief history
It’s worth noting how much beauty standards have shifted over time. In the 1950s, women aspired to the curvy figures of Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor, even taking weight-gain tablets to achieve the look.
Fast forward to the 1990s, and the ‘heroin chic’ trend saw women striving for a thin, androgynous appearance.
For men, however, the conversation has often been dominated by images of lean, muscular bodies—think Hollywood action heroes and fitness influencers.
Yet, as this study shows, the reality is far more forgiving. The ‘perfect’ male body, it turns out, is not about washboard abs or bulging biceps, but about a healthy, approachable physique that suggests both strength and comfort.
What about women?
While this is good news for men with a few extra kilos, the same can’t be said for women, at least according to previous research.
Studies have shown that men tend to prefer women with slimmer physiques, often even slimmer than what’s considered evolutionarily optimal.
The researchers note, ‘Females appear sensitive to adiposity in a manner consistent with evolutionary expectations. In contrast, earlier work shows males judge females who are thinner than the evolutionary optimal as more attractive.’
Credit: The Social CTV / YouTube
The takeaway: Confidence is key
So, what does this all mean for you? If you’re carrying a little extra weight around the middle, you can rest easy knowing that science is on your side.
The ‘dad bod’ is not only normal—it’s desirable. Of course, health should always come first, but it’s reassuring to know that you don’t need to look like a magazine cover model to be considered attractive.
At the end of the day, confidence, kindness, and a sense of humour are just as important as any number on the scale. So, embrace your body, look after your health, and remember: you’re probably more attractive than you think.
We’d love to hear from you!
What do you think about these findings? Have you ever felt pressure to look a certain way, or have you found that confidence and personality matter more than physique? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below—let’s keep the conversation going!
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