British women want curves

In a recent survey of 2000 women by Special K, they discovered that the ideal body shape women aspire to is curvey. The results show a change in trend as “two thirds of women yearn for a Marilyn Monroe-style hourglass figure.” ¹

Women who want to loose weight do not want a skinny body, a trend catalysed by Twiggy, but seek the curvy body shapes of stars like Kate Winslett and Nigella Lawson; the classic hourglass figure back in fashion. Curves are now in vogue and skinny is out!

The Special  K survey showed that ” 65 per cent of all women want an hourglass shape where their waist comes in to highlight the curves both above and below. At the moment only 13 per cent of women think they have this classic style of figure.”² However, most women feel they have more of an apple or pear shaped body and really want to get a waistline to emphasise their curves.

Indeed, the survey showed “a third of British women (35 per cent) see themselves as apple shaped, with an undefined waistline. A further 25 per cent see themselves as pear-shaped with a big bottom.”³

It seems “it is shape not size which is most important to women these days.”⁴ The average bra size in the UK is now 36C, whereas a decade ago it was 34B. Marks & Spencer now stocks bras in a J cup size. It is clear sizes are changing. However, the Daily Mail reports that 40% of women are fat or obese. Teenagers and younger women are far bigger than their mothers. Tam Fry of the National Obesity Forum agrees. ‘We have a generation of people who are heavier than the previous generation, and it’s all down to over-eating and under-exercising. This generation is more sedentary than their mothers.”⁵

The Daily Mail also reports that “a new study from Plymouth University shows that an obese mother is ten times more likely to have an obese daughter, and that this is not down to genetics, but daughters copying their mothers’ bad habits.”

One reason for increased weight gain in recent generations is the change in lifestyles. The food available has changed with an increase of food choices, with more money to spend. Recent generations may not be as active as previous generations, with television 24/7, change in communication styles, and lack of motivation to keep active.

Nonetheless, the Special K survey has clearly shown that women want a different body shape with curvesrather than being skinny. Perhaps the younger generations do need to be encouraged to eat healthier foods and in general have a healthier lifestyle; but there is no need to be a size 10!
Sources:
1-4       The telegraph:  British women want curves like Nigella Lawson, survey finds
5           Mail online: Generation XXL – why ARE we all fatter than our mothers?

Whose shape inspires British women the most? (The Telegraph)

1. Nigella Lawson
2. Dame Helen Mirren
3. Dame Judi Dench
4. Kate Winslet
5. Julie Walters
6. Martine McCutcheon
7. Holly Willoughby
8. Joanna Lumley
9. Catherine Zeta-Jones
10. Kirstie Allsopp