William Atkins
Saturday, 06 December 2008 23:25
Science -
Biology
Page 2 of 3
However, most women do not have such perfect hourglass figures but have more “cylindrical-shaped” bodies, ones with wider hips.
Cashdan used data from thirty-three non-Western populations and four European populations. She found that the average waist-to-hip ratio for women averaged above 0.8.
Cashdan concluded that the hormone group called androgens increases waist-to-hip ratios by increasing the fat that is stored around the waist (what is called visceral fat).
She also stated that such androgens contain cortisol, which helps the human body to deal with stressful situations.
Such amounts of cortisol in the female body could lead to healthier females, those that are stronger, more competitive, and better able to deal with the daily pressures of life.
Cashdan states,
“The hormonal profile associated with high [waist-to-hip ratio] … may favor success in resource competition, particularly under stressful circumstances. The androgenic effects—stamina, initiative, risk-proneness, assertiveness, dominance—should be particularly useful where a woman must depend on her own resources to support herself and her family.” [Newsweek: “
Hourglass Figures: We Take It All Back”]
Though an hourglass figure has its advantages, like attracting men for mating and children, Cashdan concludes that cylindrical-shaped bodies could have many more advantages.
Page three talks about comments from Dr. Cashdan.
