A recent scientific study has gotten a lot of people talking by saying that women with broader bottoms may not only be healthier, but also smarter. At first, this claim could sound like something you heard in a pop culture myth or an internet rumor. But it comes from a peer-reviewed study that was published in the International Journal of Obesity by a group of researchers from the University of Oxford. Researchers looked at health and cognitive data from more than 16,000 women and came to conclusions that go against what most people have long believed about how body shapes affect IQ and health.
The study’s most important finding is that where a person stores fat is very important for their overall health and metabolism. There are several kinds of fat in the body. Visceral fat, which collects around the stomach and other internal organs, can lead to health problems such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Subcutaneous fat, especially in the hips, thighs, and buttocks, seems to have protective effects. The researchers observed that women with more fat in their lower bodies tend to have lower levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein, or “bad” cholesterol) and greater levels of HDL (high-density lipoprotein, or “good” cholesterol). This is good for your heart.
This kind of fat distribution is good for cholesterol and hormones. These ladies, for instance, have more adiponectin, a hormone that helps burn fat and keep blood sugar levels normal. Adiponectin lowers inflammation and makes the body more sensitive to insulin. This makes it less likely that you will get insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Leptin, a hormone that controls hunger and energy balance, is also higher in women with broader hips and bigger butts. For a healthy metabolism and long-term weight control, leptin needs to act appropriately.
The study’s most intriguing finding was the correlation between body fat and intelligence. Researchers assert that women possessing greater adiposity in their hips and buttocks also exhibit elevated levels of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and other fatty acids are good for the brain to grow and work well. These healthy fats in the body may not only be helpful for the mother, but they may also be good for her children. These omega-3 fats are passed from mother to kid during pregnancy and lactation. These nutrients may help the baby’s brain grow and develop in the greatest way possible.
The research also found that women with this body type tend to have higher levels of estrogen, which is known to improve memory and brain function. Neuroplasticity, or the brain’s ability to alter and expand, needs estrogen. A lot of research has shown that it can aid with cognitive flexibility and verbal memory. These hormones and healthy fats may help explain why these women fare better than average on several cognitive tests.
The researchers were careful to note that these findings don’t mean that having a certain body shape makes you smarter or healthier. The studies, however, show that the location of fat storage is connected to other good health and cognitive indicators. Genetics, lifestyle, nutrition, exercise, and several environmental factors influence the distribution of fat in the body, as well as IQ and overall health.
This study also has an effect on psychology and culture. These results can help get rid of bad ideas in a culture that typically thinks being skinny is the best thing. They help the body-positivity movement flourish by showing that not everyone has the same ideas about health and attractiveness. The media often regards a bigger butt as ugly or sexualized, but it could mean that the body is healthy and strong.
But don’t make these results too easy or too amazing. Body composition is only one aspect of a much bigger picture when it comes to health and intelligence. You can’t tell how useful or capable someone is by looking at just one of their physical traits. The study’s results are great news: the things that society tells women to alter may really be good for their health.
The University of Oxford study presents a lot of scientific proof that goes against what most people perceive about body shape. Women with broader hips and butts seem to have higher cholesterol levels, more balanced hormone levels, and even better brain function. These findings highlight how flexible and complex the human body is. They also show how vital it is to value body diversity, not just for looks but also for health and happiness.