The Perfect Figure: What is It, and Do You Have One?

What is the perfect figure? It can honestly be said this is a matter of opinion, but what is the opinion of the average person? Recently a survey completed by the University College London and Newcastle University both men and women were shown pictures of various women with a variety of figure types and sizes. (The University results are to be published in mid-February). The participants were asked to judge the figures of each woman and the results were surprising to many, and did not fit with what most would consider traditional thought. In addition, Professor Harryono Judodihardjo, director of Cellite Clinic agreed with the findings that a women's BMI is the primary factor in determining attractiveness. (1)

For many years, perhaps decades, the perfect figure has been considered to be 36" chest, 26" waist, and 36" hips. Very well proportioned, a tad larger in the chest, and one would guess firmer in all areas. The new study found the actual shapes were not as important as had been expected. What they did learn was that certain body sizes were found to be more attractive. Participants did not care for figures that were too thin, or too large. Experts believe this relates to the perception of good health. We consider someone who is overweight to be unhealthy, and apparently we make the same association with someone who is too thin. So much for the old saying you can never be too skinny.

The researchers found that actual body measurements were not as important as the total BMI (Body Mass Index) You can calculate your own BMI by taking your weight, multiple it by 703, then divide by your height, in inches. Take that number and divide it by your height once again and you will have your BMI. The study found that anyone with a BMI below 18 was considered too thin. Anything over a BMI of 25 was considered overweight. A BMI of 30 or more was considered Obese. But what was the perfect BMI, according to the survey? In a moment.

First let us look at the average women. In the United States the average women in 5'4" and weighs 152 pounds. (3) Using the formula above we can determine the BMI of the average female in the US is 26.08 - So the average women in the US is considered to be overweight. Are we surprised? The perfect BMI, according to several thousand survey participants was 20.85. It was found that a wide range of figures were though of as attractive, but each of them had one thing in common, a BMI of approximately 20.85 The researchers gave an example of a well known celebrity who has that exact BMI for comparison. The star with the perfect BMI, was Kate Winslete coming in with a perfect score of 20.85.

How much did the BMI count when judging the perfect figure? The study indicates it accounted for 75% of the decision making. The remaining 25% were made up of two primary items, the waist-to-hip ratio, and the length of the women's legs. Again, no real surprises. (2) The most desirable Waist to Hip ratio for women has been found to be 0.70. To achieve this your waist needs to measure 70% of what your hips measure. For instance, if your hips are 36", your waist should measure 25.2" in order for you to be considered perfect. Interestingly this comes very close to the old school perfect figure of 36-26-36.

So, in summary, the average American woman is overweight, and we tend to like our women a little bit on the curvy side. Is anyone really surprised by either of these conclusions? Just for fun, take a quick moment and calculate your own BMI. Are you perfect? Close? If not, don't fret too much. Beauty, after all, is in the eye of the beholder, you just have to find the right beholder for you.

Sources:

(1) Survey completed by the University College London and Newcastle University (The University results are to be published in mid-February).

(2) - "Body weight, waist to hip ratio, breasts, and hips, role in judgements of female attractiveness and desirability of relationships" - Singh, Devendra; Young, Robert K.

(3) Sources: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services : Journal for Sex Research, Vol. 24