Lexicon

Attractive

The word attractive comes from the Latin and means appealing. Certain body features have a special attraction and are instinctively perceived as beautiful.

Personal feelings & culture

The perception of physical beauty is shaped by culture and evolution. In terms of evolutionary biology, survival and passing on one’s own genes are the primary goals of humans. Characteristics of physical attraction serve to ensure the success of reproduction. Attractive features are mainly based on height, body shape, symmetry, gender-typical characteristics and signs of physical resistance to disease (outward signs of health).

Influencing the choice of partner

Attractive characteristics influence the choice of a partner. Women prefer men who have the resources to raise and protect their offspring. Men are influenced in their choice of partner by signs of fertility in women. The waist-to-hip ratio (waist-to-hip ratio) is a well-researched characteristic of female physical attractiveness.

The ratio is calculated by dividing the waist circumference (narrowest part of the abdomen) by the hip circumference (widest part of the hips). The waist-hip ratio is influenced by sex hormones. Oestrogen leads to fat deposition on the hips, buttocks and thighs and inhibits fat deposition in the abdominal area. During the menopause, more fat is deposited around the waist; the waist-hip ratio increases.

Research has shown that women and men find a waist-to-hip ratio of around 0.7 particularly attractive. The bust-to-waist ratio (large breasts and a slim waist) also plays a role in women’s attractiveness. Men place more value on female attractiveness than women do on male attractiveness. Women also pay attention to the attractiveness of other women.