This is what scientists are doing in London: they’re gathering a bunch of guys and putting them in either stressful situations or relaxing ones, and then asking them to rate the level of attractiveness of women who ranged in weight from emaciated to obese. They found that stressed guys gave overweight and obese women higher ratings, and they were more attracted to them than the skinnier women.

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Scientists have always thought that women with more “mature physical characteristics” were desirable to men in more dire situations, because they appeared to be more fit for survival —  more capable of defeating predators, reproducing, staying warm, and of course, it appeared that they were well fed, meaning there were probably ample resources available. Emotionally, heavier woman are thought to be able to “endure rough patches” more easily. But this was the first time scientists investigated whether heavier bodies had the same effect.

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If the scientists are right, who we are attracted to is contextual, which I’m sure will lead to other studies about what other conditions lead people to be attracted to people with different characteristics. Like, guys who have been watching too much TV will be attracted to left handed girls. Maybe? To the lab, I say! Get on it, scientists!

I think we all just want a shoulder to lean on. Someone who is strong enough to hoist us on their shoulder and carry us through treacherous canyons, help us over raging rivers, and fight off man-eating snakes for us and swing on vines carrying us. Metaphorically, I mean.

[LiveScience]

 

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