Having an attractive face is something that most people strive for. The shape and structure of your face can significantly impact how attractive you appear. An important factor that influences facial attractiveness is your weight. But at what weight is your face the most attractive? Let’s dive into the science behind facial attractiveness and weight.
The BMI scale
A common way to categorize weight is through Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is a measure of body fat in adults based on their height and weight. It is commonly used to classify individuals as underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.
The BMI scale is as follows:
| BMI | Weight Status |
|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5 – 24.9 | Normal Weight |
| 25.0 – 29.9 | Overweight |
| 30.0 and Above | Obese |
So at what BMI range is your face most attractive? Let’s explore what scientific studies reveal.
Facial attractiveness and BMI
Several studies have investigated the relationship between BMI and facial attractiveness. The findings show that facial attractiveness peaks at a normal BMI range, but drops off at underweight and overweight categories.
One study published in the Journal of Public Health analyzed how 54 male and female faces were rated for attractiveness based on their BMI. Faces in the healthy BMI range of 18.5-24.9 were consistently ranked as most attractive. Faces below or above this normal weight range were ranked as less attractive, with facial adiposity (fatness) being perceived as unattractive.
Another study in the International Journal of Obesity photographed the faces of Caucasian women with varying BMIs. A group of judges then rated the facial attractiveness of these women. Again, results showed that faces with higher levels of fatness were considered less attractive. The most attractive faces fell into the middle BMI ranges.
Why does facial adiposity decrease attractiveness ratings? Research suggests that faces with higher fat levels appear less defined. The contours of facial bone structure become obscured. This effect seems to outweigh any positive influence fuller cheeks may have.
Optimal BMI for women’s facial attractiveness
Studies consistently show that a normal BMI produces the most facial attractiveness in women. But is there an optimal BMI for maximum attractiveness?
A study in the Journal of Evolutionary Biology aimed to identify the peak BMI for women’s facial attractiveness. A group of men rated the attractiveness of female faces with BMIs ranging from 18 to 35. Results showed that attractiveness ratings peaked at a BMI of approximately 19 and declined as BMIs increased above or below this value.
A BMI of 19 falls within the lower end of the normal weight range. This suggests that a very slim body weight, but not severely underweight, optimizes facial attractiveness in women. Other studies align with this finding that a low-normal BMI around 19-20 maximizes attractiveness.
Optimal BMI for men’s facial attractiveness
The relationship between BMI and facial attractiveness also holds true for men. But does the peak attractive BMI differ between genders?
One study investigating this tested how groups of women rated the attractiveness of men’s faces across varying BMIs. Results showed that male faces with BMIs of around 20-22 were rated as most attractive. This matches closely with the optimal BMI of 19-20 that maximizes women’s facial attractiveness.
Therefore, current evidence indicates the BMI sweet spot linked to peak facial attractiveness is similar for both men and women. A low-normal BMI, at the upper end of the healthy range, appears ideal.
Facial adiposity distribution
BMI provides a broad gauge of weight status and associated facial attractiveness. But research also shows that the specific distribution of facial fat matters for attractiveness.
One study tracked how excess face fat related to attractiveness ratings in women. Faces were photographed and fat distribution was measured using sophisticated 3D imaging technology. The results showed that increased fat around the cheeks and chin negatively impacted attractiveness the most. Excess fat in the forehead area did not affect ratings as much.
Another study using 3D scans found similar results for both female and male faces. Excess fat around the cheeks and chin significantly decreased attractiveness scores compared to those with less fat in this lower facial region.
Together, these findings suggest that fat accumulation in the lower cheek and chin area appears particularly detrimental to facial attractiveness. Even small amounts may negatively alter the facial contours.
Gender differences in fat distribution
An interesting observation is that men tend to accumulate excess face fat in different areas than women:
- Women tend to accumulate facial fat in the lower cheeks, chin, and neck areas.
- Men tend to accumulate facial fat in the neck, eyelids, and submental region under the chin.
However, both genders experience decreased attractiveness from added fullness in the lower part of the face. Maintaining a well-defined jawline and slimmer cheeks seems optimal for appearance.
Face shape changes with weight gain
Gaining weight doesn’t just increase facial fat. It can actually change the underlying structure of your face over time.
Research using 3D facial imaging shows that face shape differs between obese and normal weight individuals in several ways:
- Wider, more rounded face
- Flatter facial features
- More protruding forehead and cheeks
- Smaller chin and jaw
These structural changes correlate with the amount of weight gained. The greater the weight, the more pronounced the facial shape differences become.
This makes sense when you consider that excess fat pads the face and obscures the contours of the bone structure underneath. Over time, gravity causes tissues to sag downwards and reduce facial definition.
Losing weight helps reverse some of these face shape changes. But bone structure may not completely return to original dimensions after substantial weight gain.
Other factors influencing facial attractiveness
BMI and fat distribution explain much, but not all, of facial beauty. Other influential factors include:
Symmetry
Faces that are more symmetrical are rated as more attractive. Symmetry indicates health and good genes. Minor asymmetries can lower attractiveness scores.
Sexual dimorphism
Exaggerated feminine or masculine facial features increase attractiveness ratings. Feminine features like large eyes and plump lips in women are perceived as attractive. Strong jawlines and brow ridges in men are considered masculine and appealing.
Averageness
Faces close to “average” proportions are also judged as attractive. This might involve average nose size and lip thickness for a given gender and ethnicity. Extreme or unusual features are considered less appealing.
Skin quality
Clear, smooth skin free of blemishes is valued across cultures. Acne, spots, wrinkles, and dark circles negatively impact facial beauty.
So while BMI significantly influences attractiveness, other genetic and lifestyle factors matter too. Overall facial harmony in line with normal averages generally maximizes appeal.
Implications of research findings
The research highlights that your face will likely appear most attractive within a normal BMI range. For women, a BMI of approximately 19-20 seems ideal, while for men the peak is around 20-22.
Gaining excess weight can obscure natural facial definitions. Losing weight helps restore facial attractiveness, but only up to a point. Severe thinness starts to have a negative impact.
Focusing diet and exercise efforts on reaching or maintaining a low-normal BMI pays beauty dividends. But don’t take it to extremes, as overly rapid weight loss carries health risks.
Remember that appearance is also influenced by grooming, style, personality, and more. While weight affects beauty, it’s not the sole determining factor.
Summary of key points
- Facial attractiveness peaks at a normal BMI range of 18.5-24.9
- For women, an optimal BMI is around 19-20
- For men, an optimal BMI is around 20-22
- Excess fat in the lower cheeks and chin reduces attractiveness
- Weight gain alters underlying facial bone structure over time
- Other factors like symmetry and averageness also influence beauty
Conclusion
Science shows that your face will look its most attractive within the healthy BMI range. For women, a BMI at the lower end of normal around 19-20 gives the beauty maximum. For men, the ideal BMI is slightly higher at 20-22. Straying too far above or below this normal weight range negatively impacts facial aesthetics.
While losing some excess weight can sharpen facial features, don’t take it to unhealthy extremes. Facial attractiveness is also influenced by factors besides BMI. But maintaining a fabulous face generally means keeping your weight in check.