Is the ‘Dad Bod’ Over? Science Says Women Want THIS Male Body Type Instead
For years, the dad bod — think Leonardo DiCaprio on a beach vacation or Jason Momoa off-duty — has been a celebrated look. Soft around the edges but still masculine, it’s long been labeled “relatable” and “approachable.” But, according to science, it may not be the physique women find most attractive after all.
A study from Griffith University in Australia (published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B) shook things up when it set out to discover which male body type actually tops the charts in female preference — and spoiler: the results weren’t exactly dad-bod-friendly.
What the Study Found
Researchers showed 160 women photographs of male torsos — ranging from untrained average guys to gym-going fitness buffs. Participants rated the images based on attractiveness and perceived strength.
Is the ‘dad bod’ out? (Getty Stock Image)
The verdict? Not a single woman in the study chose a weaker or less fit man as the most attractive.
In fact, 70% of the “strongest” bodies were rated as the most appealing. Women were overwhelmingly drawn to tall, lean, and muscular builds — the kind of strength that suggests physical capability but not necessarily extreme bodybuilder status.
According to lead researcher Dr. Aaron Sell:
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“We weren’t surprised that women found physically strong men attractive… what did surprise us was just how powerful the effect was.”
But Wait – Are ‘Dad Bods’ Totally Out?
The study found women were more likely to prefer muscly men (Getty Stock Image)
Not quite. The study emphasizes looking strong more than being shredded. In fact, being strong and a little overweight didn’t tank attractiveness. That means if you’re carrying a bit of softness but still look like you can lift a sofa, you’re likely still winning hearts.
Plus, many women online have chimed in with a different tune. In Reddit threads and across social media, lots of women say they prefer a middle ground — someone muscular and cuddly.
“For me, the ideal body is somewhere between a six-pack and a soft dad bod — muscular but with a little plush,” one Redditor shared.
Obviously, attractiveness is completely subjective (Getty Stock Image)
And let’s not forget: personality matters. Traits like kindness, emotional intelligence, and a sense of humor can often outweigh pure aesthetics.
The Bottom Line
Sure, strong bodies are scientifically shown to be attractive, but that doesn’t mean the softer look is canceled. If you’ve got some strength under that softness — and a good heart — you’re probably doing just fine.
After all, science can’t measure chemistry, compatibility, or the ability to make someone laugh after a long day.
Sources:
Proceedings of the Royal Society B
The Guardian – Women Prefer Strong Men Study
