Preference for physiques questioned: Following remarks about Olly Murs' transformation, many are debating their preferred body type, sparking a discourse on dad bods versus the ultra-toned.
Lo and behold, folks! You'd think that a ripped physique would be the key to every ladies' heart, but it seems like the age-old saying, "beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder" still holds true. Recent discussions on social media have put a twist on this notion, with some arguing that female preference often leans towards the affectionately titled "dad bod."
A study conducted by Harvard Medical School revealed that women tend to be more attracted to men with less muscle than men think they should have to be considered attractive. In other words, men's natural bodies appear closer to what women actually want [1].
In response to Olly Murs' recent body transformation, women on social media expressed their preference for his previous look, including one user who stated, "I couldn't imagine having a cuddle with the guy on the right, and he'd be a pain to live with being obsessed about what food he could eat" [2].
Similarly, fans still adore Chris Pratt's softer, more relaxed physique that he sported before his intense workout regimen for Guardians of the Galaxy, with some even declaring "dad bod Chris Pratt is the hottest version of Chris Pratt". This demonstrates that a man's natural body can hold just as much appeal as a muscular one [2].
The dad bod trend isn't exclusive to Hollywood heartthrobs. Coronation Street star Ryan Thomas and Love Island alum Nathan Massey have also shed their dad bods following intense fitness regimes, shedding pounds and revealing chiseled abs. Yet, their transformations have sparked debates about whether the changes were for the better when it comes to appealing to women [2].
Some argue that women prefer a man with a bit of padding, as it can make muscles appear bigger and stronger, especially when viewed from a female perspective [2]. A broader body with some softness can be perceived as more attractive as it symbolizes a balance of strength and approachability.
So, it seems that the appeal of a dad bod can be traced back to factors such as approachability, comfort, perceived lifestyle, authenticity, and humanity. As with all things beauty-related, opinions differ, but there's no denying that the dad bod represents a unique blend of characteristics that has captivated many women.
References:1. Why Summer Bodies Look Better Than Fitness Bodies2. Women prefer a dad bod: Olly Murs, Chris Pratt and Ryan Thomas all prove controversial theory3. Why women find 'dad bods' more attractive than chiseled physiques4. The Comfort of a Dad Bod5. Why Women Love the Dad Bod
- Magazines often feature articles discussing the preferences of women, including a focus on the 'dad bod' trend, which suggests that a softer, less muscular body can be more appealing.
- In addition to magazines, social media platforms are buzzing with discussions about 'dad bods,' showcasing the widespread interest in the health-and-wellness aspect of this phenomenon.
- Amid the entertainment world, many celebrities have undergone transformations, overestimating the necessity of achieving a muscular physique to be considered attractive, only to be met with the preference for their 'dad bod' phase.
- Science has contributed to the understanding of this unusual preference, as a study by Harvard Medical School revealed that women find less muscular men more attractive, debunking the idea that a muscular body is universally appealing.
- News outlets have reported on this trend, citing examples from the world of entertainment, lifestyle, and fitness-and-exercise, demonstrating that the preference for a 'dad bod' transcends media genres.
- Furthermore, the allure of a 'dad bod' appears to extend beyond physical appearance, with aspects such as approachability, comfort, and perceived lifestyle contributing to its appeal.
- Despite the growing popularity of the 'dad bod,' it is important to remember that beauty and preference are subjective, and what one person finds attractive may not be the same for another.


