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Hormones Affect Waist-to-Hip Ratio in Women
While a waist-to-hip ratio of about .7
is seen as ideal, new research shows that during tougher times (or in
developing countries) women actually have a much higher WHR-- and men
in those countries find that more attractive.
According to Elizabeth Cashdan of the University of Utah, hormones that
make a woman physically tougher and better able to handle stress also
tend to put more fat on the waist, making the WHR go up.
If the "ideal"
ratio was really .7, then we should see that in women around the world;
but research shows that women are actually above .8 in many areas of the
world.
Androgens (including testosterone) increase the WHR, and also increase
the strength, competitiveness, dominance, assertiveness, and stamina of
a woman. Cortisol, a "stress hormone", increases waist fat,
too.
This may explain why
in many countries where life is tough and food is scarce, men prefer women
with higher WHR than in Western societies. A tougher woman is more likely
to survive and thrive, and men find that more attractive in a mate.
Related
Links:
Curvy
Women Smarter
Waist-To-Hip Ratio and Attractiveness
Calculate your Waist-To-Hip Ratio
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