Study Reveals Dad Bods Redefine the Ideal Male Body, Challenging Traditional Standards
What Do Women Really Want? Science Says "Dad Bods" Might Be the Answer
For centuries, men have wondered what women truly desire. New research suggests the answer might lie in physique—specifically, the “dad bod.” Scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences found that women across cultures find men with a BMI (body mass index) of 23–27 most attractive, a range that edges into the “overweight” category by some health standards.
The "dad bod"—moderately muscular with some body fat—is now linked to higher attractiveness in men, according to a new study.
The Study’s Key Findings
The study, published in Personality and Individual Differences, surveyed 283 participants from China, Lithuania, and the UK. Participants rated the attractiveness of male body types using black-and-white images (with faces blurred) representing BMIs from 20.1 to 33.7. Results showed:
- China: Peak attractiveness at BMI 23.4
- Lithuania: BMI 23.0
- UK: BMI 26.6
Notably, the NHS classifies BMI 25–29.9 as “overweight,” but in all three countries, women preferred men in the higher end of this range. Researchers suggest body fat may signal evolutionary fitness, as it correlates with testosterone levels.
Cultural Similarities and Evolutionary Signals
Surprisingly, preferences were consistent despite differing obesity rates in the countries studied. Both men and women ranked similar BMIs as attractive, hinting at shared evolutionary cues. “Exposure to higher body weights in a population doesn’t shift preferences,” the team noted.
Ideal male BMI ranges overlap with what some health guidelines call "overweight," challenging narrow beauty standards.
Contrast With Female Body Ideals
While “dad bods” get a thumbs-up for men, studies show women face pressure to be slim. Historically, female beauty standards have shifted dramatically—from the curvaceous 1950s icons to the “heroin chic” of the 1990s. However, men’s preferences for women often lean thinner than what’s evolutionarily optimal.
Why It Matters
The findings challenge rigid ideals, offering a boost for body positivity. As lead researcher Fan Xia explained, perceptions of attractiveness are rooted in biology, not just trends. So, for men with a little extra padding: science says you’re just right.
BMI Categories (NHS Guidelines):
- Underweight: Below 18.5
- Healthy: 18.5–24.9
- Overweight: 25–29.9
- Obese: 30+
While health should always come first, this study reminds us that attractiveness isn’t one-size-fits-all—and confidence might be the sexiest trait of all.
(Images: Getty, Daily Mail)
