What actually determines an attractive women's figure? For most people the answer is absolutely clear: An attractive woman must be above all slender.

A glance at the paintings and sculptures of the old masters clearly shows that for centuries feminine figures which were once considered to be appealing, would be regarded today as being too fat.

Researchers have stated that in former times the ideal of attractiveness, or being fat, was considered to be a status symbol. Only the well-to-do could afford to eat well, while the poor remained slender from lack of food. However today, the supply of food is abundant and fat has lost its value of information as a sign of prosperity.  To a certain extent, this correlation has reversed: for instance in the US obesity has become a problem of the lower class.