Why Body Size is not an Aphrodisiac

Here’s an important question to ask, “Why do we think body size is an important factor in sexual desire and attraction?” I know that this may come as a shock to those that have invested much time, energy and money into sculpting their bodies into icons of contemporary sexual availability, but fat women get laid more often than thinner ones. That is the latest report spread across the Internet last October as a result of a study by the National Survey of Family Growth.

Researchers at The University of Hawaii and Oregon State University analyzed data gathered from the 2002 study. They reported that overweight women are actually having more heterosexual sex than women of "normal" weight. Various opinions were blogged or newscast including, “No Shit!” and “And, as we all know, every attractive woman with big breasts is a complete whore.” Dr. Bliss Kaneshiro of the School of Medicine at the University of Hawaii and co-author of the study also seemed baffled, "These results were unexpected and we don't really know why this is the case."

Perhaps it is time to release ourselves of the burden of the stereotype that only slim or normal weight women are attractive. People are attracted to each other for many reasons and body mass may not be the most important factor. I, for one, have always been attracted to a large woman that acts sexy. On the other hand, any size woman that acts embarrassed or judges herself unworthy of attention for lack of a petite or waif look is too uncomfortable with herself to be comfortable to me.

Many insist “in the name of all that is right and holy” that fat women are less attractive. But facts are facts and many, perhaps a majority, of men find oversized women attractive. My experience of dating was mixed. Thin model types seemed more aloof and demanding, attractive as they might be. Larger women were sometimes better company. “Sexy” for me is not based largely on size, but attitude, energy, creativity, honesty and willingness to trust. A five- foot-one, petite but busty blond with lots of style and athleticism is a sad partner if she is dishonest, bitchy, dull or cold.

When you meet Dr. Bliss, tell her your opinion “how this could be.” I am doing my part. Poor Bliss. At least her study was awarded first prize at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ annual meeting in 2008, and bodes well for women of all body types.