If your husband has been using the phrase “dad bod” as a lifestyle choice, he might want to sit down for this one.

A brand-new study has officially weighed in on what men and women find most physically attractive, and spoiler alert: the dad bod is getting a demotion. But before the guys panic — and before YOU start feeling pressured to look like a fitness influencer — there is genuinely good news buried in these results. Stick with us.

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What the New Study Actually Found

The research, conducted by SoloFun, surveyed more than 2,000 participants and asked them to pick the physiques they found most attractive after showing them side-by-side body-fat comparison images. Bored Panda

Here’s the breakdown:

For men: Those attracted to men overwhelmingly favored a lean, athletic build with around 15% body fat — think naturally fit rather than aggressively muscular. Paul Mescal or Jacob Elordi territory, not a Men’s Health cover from 2003. The 20% body fat category came in second, followed by 25%, with the heaviest option at 35% landing dead last. VICE

For women: Good news, ladies — people attracted to women overwhelmingly favored a softer, curvier physique around 30% body fat — closer to Ashley Graham or Beyoncé than the ultra-lean aesthetic that’s dominated social media for the past decade. A body fat level of 25% came in second, while the highest category ranked last. VICE

So curves? Very much IN. The stick-thin Instagram ideal? Not so much. We’ll take that win.

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But Wait — What Happened to the Dad Bod Appreciation Era?

Just a few years ago, the dad bod was basically having a cultural moment. A 2021 poll by Dating.com found that nearly 75% of singles said they were more attracted to “dad bods” — meaning a figure that’s “not super chiseled.” Bored Panda

And Planet Fitness? A Planet Fitness study showed that 78% of women associate dad bods with confidence, and 83% of mothers said they were proud to have a partner with that physique. BoxLife Magazine

So what gives? Did everyone just change their minds?

Not exactly. Those earlier studies were measuring something slightly different — likeability and attraction aren’t always the same thing, and the new data makes that gap clear. Softer male builds scored well on personality traits like being affectionate and nurturing, and were rated as better long-term partner material. They just didn’t win on physical attraction. VICE

Translation? The dad bod survives — but in a supporting role. It’s apparently great for relationships and terrible for Hinge. VICE

(We laughed. You will too.)

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Why Do Women Gravitate Toward Athletic Male Builds?

Science actually has a theory on this. Experts suggest that women mentally link muscularity to perceived strength, health, and the ability to protect — it’s a deeply rooted evolutionary signal. It’s not about shallow preferences; it’s about instinct.

But here’s the thing — men with higher body fat percentages consistently receive higher ratings for traits like friendliness, caregiving potential, and emotional warmth. So the dad bod might not win the “first glance” game, but it’s clearly winning somewhere that matters a whole lot more to most of us. BoxLife Magazine

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What This Means for the Rest of Us (Aka the Realistic Take)

Look — we’re moms, we’re working, we’re tired, and we do not have time to obsess over body fat percentages. But here’s what’s actually refreshing about this study:

For women, the “ideal” isn’t what social media has been selling us. The ultra-lean look that’s dominated Instagram for years? It actually ranked at the bottom of what people find most attractive. Curves are desirable. A body that looks like it has lived — that’s the one people want. VICE

And for the men in our lives? Well, maybe the takeaway is less about chasing a six-pack and more about being the kind of partner who shows up, helps with the kids, and earns that “affectionate and nurturing” rating. That, apparently, goes a long way.

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The Bottom Line

Body standards are always shifting, and no study should define how you feel about yourself or the people you love. But if nothing else, this one confirms that curvy is beautiful, confidence is magnetic, and the dad bod — while it may have lost a round — is still very much in the game where it counts most.

Now if you’ll excuse us, we have to go tell our husbands the news. 😂

Source: New York Post | Vice | Bored Panda | Dating.com via PR Newswire