Study Finds Women Prefer Lean Male Builds, Men Favor Curvier Female Figures

A new study of more than 2,000 adults found that women rated lean, athletic male physiques as most attractive while men preferred curvier female figures. Participants viewed side-by-side images showing different body-fat percentages and selected the physiques they found most appealing.

Women chose a male build at approximately 15 percent body fat, while men selected a female build at about 30 percent body fat.

A male body-fat level of 20 percent ranked second among women, followed by 25 percent. The highest category at 35 percent received the lowest ratings. Researchers noted that men and women store body fat differently, so the same percentage produces different visual results across sexes. A man at 15 percent body fat typically appears athletic, while a woman at the same level can appear very lean.

People attracted to women selected a 30 percent body-fat level as most appealing. A 25 percent level ranked second, and the 45 percent option received the lowest ratings. Earlier surveys had shown higher support for softer male builds. com report found nearly 75 percent of singles viewed dad bods favorably, and a Planet Fitness poll found 78 percent of women associated them with confidence.

The SoloFun study suggests current preferences may differ from those earlier findings.