Perfect male and female physique, revealed - bad news for 'dad bods'

A study indicates shifting attraction preferences away from the “dad bod” toward leaner, more athletic male builds. More than 2,000 adults viewed body fat comparison images and selected the most attractive option. For people attracted to men, the most preferred male body fat level was around 15%, described as healthy, fit, and naturally athletic. A 20% level ranked second, followed by 25%, while 35% was least preferred. For people attracted to women, the most preferred female body fat range was 30%, with men favoring softer, curvier shapes. Overall results suggest attraction favors middle ground rather than extreme body types promoted online.

"The results suggest that when it comes to attraction, people are more likely to be drawn to the middle ground rather than extremes that are promoted by social media. And it reveals that ultra-slim or hugely muscular bodies are still being out-competed by more natural shapes."

"'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,' a spokeswoman from SoloFun, which commissioned the study, said. 'People attracted to men, for example, preferred a lean body type, whereas people attracted to women leaned more towards a softer, curvier body type.'"

"As part of a poll, more than 2,000 adults were shown body fat comparison images and were asked to choose the one they found most attractive. Analysis revealed that the most attractive male body fat percentage was not the ultra-lean, superhero-style physique often promoted online. Instead a lean, athletic range of around 15 per cent body fat was preferred."

"According to the research, people attracted to men were most likely to favour a body that looked healthy, fit and naturally athletic, suggesting 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."

Read at Mail Online