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Nicholas RuleProfessor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Toronto.
Country:
 Canada |
Content:
- University of Toronto Psychology Professor
- Facial Weight Loss
- Facial Obesity as a Health Indicator
- Measuring Facial Fullness
- Determining the Threshold for Perceived Weight Gain
- Calculating the BMI for Facial Weight Change
- Facial Fullness Thresholds for Attractiveness
- Weight Loss Recommendations
- Gender Differences in Weight Loss for Attractiveness
University of Toronto Psychology Professor
Professor Nicholas Rule is a professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Toronto. His research focuses on the psychology of weight loss and body image.
How Much Weight Do You Need to Lose to Look Healthy... and More Attractive to the Opposite Sex?
Facial Weight Loss
One of Rule's most well-known studies found that people need to lose about 3.5-4 kilograms (8-9 pounds) to notice a visible change in their face. However, to appear more attractive to the opposite sex, people need to lose twice as much weight, or 6-8 kilograms (13-18 pounds).
Facial Obesity as a Health Indicator
Facial obesity is a condition in which the face appears heavy or puffy. It is a strong indicator of a person's body mass index (BMI), which is a measure of body fat. Facial obesity is linked to several health problems, including weakened immune function and poor cardiovascular health.
Measuring Facial Fullness
In Rule's study, researchers collected photographs of men and women aged 20-40 years old. The faces were presented with neutral expressions, slicked-back hair, and no facial jewelry to enhance the accuracy of the research.
Determining the Threshold for Perceived Weight Gain
The researchers created sequences of images showing the faces ranging from thinnest to fullest. Participants were asked to compare randomly selected pairs of faces from each sequence and indicate which face appeared heavier.
Calculating the BMI for Facial Weight Change
Using BMI calculations, the researchers determined that a BMI of approximately 1.33 kg/m² was the point at which people perceived a noticeable difference in weight.
Facial Fullness Thresholds for Attractiveness
The researchers also identified the BMI thresholds at which faces were perceived as less attractive. They found that women had to have a BMI of 2.38 kg/m² to be considered attractive, and men had to have a BMI of 2.59 kg/m².
Weight Loss Recommendations
Based on these findings, women of average height need to lose about 6.3 kilograms (14 pounds) and men need to lose 8.2 kilograms (18 pounds) to improve their perceived attractiveness.
Gender Differences in Weight Loss for Attractiveness
"The difference between these two groups suggests that women's attractiveness may be more sensitive to changes in weight," Rule explains. "This simply means that women who are trying to lose weight need to lose less weight than men in order to be perceived as more attractive."
