Body fat percentage determines the attractiveness

Body fat supposedly determines the attractiveness

29.11.2012

According to Finnish researchers at the University of Turku, the attractiveness of men to the female sex is essentially due to the strength of the men's immune system. The women are apparently based on the body fat percentage of men to assess their defenses.

In two consecutive studies, the researchers first examined the resistance of 74 men between the ages of 19 and 31 years using antibodies to hepatitis B vaccine. A strong immune response or the formation of many antibodies speaks according to the scientists for a particularly good immune system. The most obvious reaction was in men with a body fat percentage of 12 percent. In the second experiment, the researchers presented images of the face and body of the subjects women, which should assess their attractiveness. The trend was for the men with the best immune system or a body fat percentage of twelve percent to receive the highest rating.

Women subconsciously scan the body fat percentage
The researchers explained that the women apparently subconsciously analyzed their body fat content when looking at the images, preferring a body fat percentage that stood for a good immune system. The facial features, which have so far mostly been judged to be the determining factor in the assessment of attractiveness, had no comparable influence on the women's decision, according to the researchers. A good immune system signals to women that men are a potential father for their children, leading to the positive assessment. In the current study, scientists from the University of Turku collaborated with researchers from Daugavpils University in Latvia. (Fp)

Image: Benjamin Thorn