Women with larger buttocks may enjoy a range of health and brain benefits, according to new research from Oxford University. The study examined over 16,000 women and looked closely at how fat stored around the hips, thighs, and buttocks impacts physical and mental health.
Abdominal fat has long been linked to increased risks of metabolic diseases, but fat below the waist offers a protective effect. This lower-body fat is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support heart health, reduce inflammation, and boost cognitive abilities such as memory and learning.
Women who have more of this fat tend to have a healthier metabolic profile, including better control of cholesterol and blood sugar. This is because the fat acts as a reservoir for excess fatty acids, preventing harmful buildup in other organs that can lead to illness.
Lead researcher Dr. Konstantinos Manolopoulos noted that these findings align with evolutionary reasons: storing fat in the lower body provided energy and important nutrients for childbearing and breastfeeding, helping mothers and babies thrive.
The team also cautioned against reading these results as promoting any one body type or beauty ideal. Instead, the study highlights the importance of understanding fat distribution as a key factor in health risks and benefits.
This understanding allows for more tailored approaches in medicine and lifestyle guidance, recognizing that fat location can matter more than total body weight alone.
In conclusion, having a bigger butt isn’t just a fashion statement—it may be a sign of better health and cognitive function, emphasizing the complex role body composition plays in our well-being.
