Why Is Muscularity Sexy? Tests of the Fitness Indicator Hypothesis

@article{Frederick2007WhyIM,
  title={Why Is Muscularity Sexy? Tests of the Fitness Indicator Hypothesis},
  author={David A. Frederick and Martie G. Haselton},
  journal={Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin},
  year={2007},
  volume={33},
  pages={1167 - 1183}
}
Evolutionary scientists propose that exaggerated secondary sexual characteristics are cues of genes that increase offspring viability or reproductive success. In six studies the hypothesis that muscularity is one such cue is tested. As predicted, women rate muscular men as sexier, more physically dominant and volatile, and less committed to their mates than nonmuscular men. Consistent with the inverted-U hypothesis of masculine traits, men with moderate muscularity are rated most attractive… 
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