It has long been celebrated as the most attractive male physique, but the popularity of the 'dad bod' could be waning, according to a new study. For years, the softer, more relaxed outline synonymous with Vince Vaughn, Seth Rogen, and David Harbour has been depicted as the ideal body shape. However, research now suggests women prefer a leaner, more athletic build like that sported by Brad Pitt and Ryan Reynolds. Men, meanwhile, still seem to favour women who are a bit curvier, such as Kelly Brook, Beyoncé, and Nigella Lawson.
The results suggest that when it comes to attraction, people are more likely to be drawn to the middle ground rather than extremes promoted by social media. It reveals that ultra-slim or hugely muscular bodies are still being out-competed by more natural shapes.
Study Methodology and Findings
As part of a poll commissioned by SoloFun, more than 2,000 adults were shown body fat comparison images and asked to choose the one they found most attractive. Analysis revealed that the most attractive male body fat percentage was 15 per cent, representing an athletic body shape. This suggests the once-popular 'dad bod' may be falling out of favour. A 20 per cent body fat level came in second place, followed by 25 per cent. The least popular choice was the highest body fat range of 35 per cent.
For participants attracted to women, the most preferred body fat range was 30 per cent, indicating a preference for a softer, curvier body type rather than a lean physique. A 25 per cent body fat level came in second place, while 45 per cent body fat was the least popular option.
Understanding Body Fat Differences
While the numbers differ between men and women, this is due to how each sex uses and stores fat. A 15 per cent body fat level on a man does not visually compare with 15 per cent on a woman, as women naturally carry higher levels of essential body fat. Healthy body fat for men is often roughly 10–20 per cent, while for women it is usually 20–30 per cent. A woman at 15 per cent body fat would typically look extremely lean and may experience hormonal issues, whereas a man at 15 per cent often appears athletic and healthy. A woman at 30 per cent body fat can still appear curvy and healthy, while a man at 30 per cent would usually appear much heavier.
Expert Insights and Theories
A spokeswoman from SoloFun commented: 'The most interesting thing about this analysis is that people were not choosing the most extreme body types that we are normally led to believe is the ideal. People attracted to men, for example, preferred a lean body type, whereas people attracted to women leaned more towards a softer, curvier body type.'
There are many theories about why women prefer different physiques. It is thought that females associate big muscles with strength, health, and protection. A Yale professor previously claimed that some women choose men with dad bods because the physique indicates the man will live longer. Richard Bribiescas, a professor of anthropology, said this makes them better at passing on their genes and fighting off illnesses, which could make them appear more attractive to women.
Related Research on Attractiveness
Separate research has revealed that women prefer men with muscular shoulders and torsos, but only if they're tall. A higher 'shoulder-to-hip ratio' (SHR) is a mark of attractiveness. However, men who aren't very tall may not be able to change a woman's perception of their attractiveness, even with built-up muscle. Lead author Farid Pazhoohi told PsyPost: 'Our results showed that women's perceptions of male attractiveness, masculinity, and fighting ability were influenced by, and interacted with, height and SHR.'
Other scientifically proven traits that women find attractive include popularity, money, muscles, and intelligence. Nearly one in ten people find intelligence to be the most attractive feature in a partner, a trait known as sapiosexuality.
