A recent scientific study that said women with broader buttocks may not only be healthier but also smarter has had a lot of people talking. At first, this claim could sound like something you heard on the internet or in a pop culture myth. A team from the University of Oxford did a study that was peer-reviewed and published in the International Journal of Obesity. The researchers looked at health and cognitive data from more than 16,000 women and came to conclusions that go against what most people have thought for a long time about how body shapes affect IQ and health.
The study discovered that the most important thing is where a person stores fat, which is very important for their overall health and metabolism. There are many distinct kinds of fat in the body. Visceral fat, which builds up around the stomach and other internal organs, can lead to health problems like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. It looks like subcutaneous fat, especially in the hips, thighs, and buttocks, can help protect you. The researchers discovered that women possessing greater adiposity in their lower bodies generally exhibit reduced levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein, known as “bad” cholesterol) and elevated levels of HDL (high-density lipoprotein, referred to as “good” cholesterol). This is good for your heart.
This kind of fat distribution is good for cholesterol and hormones. These ladies, for example, had more adiponectin, which is a hormone that helps burn fat and keep blood sugar levels normal. Adiponectin lowers inflammation and makes the body more sensitive to insulin. This minimizes the chance of getting type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. Leptin is a hormone that affects hunger and energy balance. Women with broader hips and bigger butts have more of it. To keep your weight stable and your metabolism healthy, leptin needs to act properly.
The study’s most fascinating finding was that there was a correlation between body fat and intelligence. Researchers say that women who have more fat in their hips and buttocks also have more long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. The brain needs DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and other fatty acids to grow and work correctly. These healthy fats in the body might not only be helpful for the mother, but they might also be good for her children. These omega-3 fats are passed from mother to kid during pregnancy and lactation. These nutrients may aid in the optimal growth and development of the baby’s brain.
The study also found that women with this body type tend to have higher levels of estrogen, which is known to improve memory and brain function. Estrogen is important for neuroplasticity, which is how the brain may alter and grow. A lot of research has shown that it can help with memory and cognitive flexibility. These hormones and the healthy fats may help explain why these ladies do better than most people on several cognitive tests.
The researchers were careful to note that these results don’t mean that having a certain body shape makes you healthier or smarter. The studies, however, show that where fat is stored is related to other good health and cognitive indicators. Genetics, lifestyle, nutrition, exercise, and other environmental factors all affect how fat is spread throughout the body, as well as IQ and general health.
This study also affects culture and psychology. These results can help people get rid of bad thoughts in a culture that typically thinks being skinny is the best thing. By illustrating that not everyone thinks the same things about beauty and health, they help the body-positivity movement thrive. A bigger butt is often seen as unattractive or sexualized in the media, 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 simply one aspect of a much bigger picture when it comes to health and intelligence. You can’t tell how useful or capable someone is just by looking at one part of their body. The study’s outcomes are great news: the things that society tells women to alter might really be good for their health.
The University of Oxford study shows a lot of scientific information that goes against what most people think about how bodies should look. Women with larger hips and buttocks appear to exhibit elevated cholesterol levels, more equilibrated hormone levels, and enhanced cognitive function. These findings demonstrate the complexity and adaptability of the human body. They also show how vital it is to appreciate body diversity, not just for looks but also for health and happiness.
