Slim legs, a toned midsection, square shoulders… many people pursue what is considered an “ideal body.” In reality, being slightly overweight, having thicker thighs, or a larger buttocks… these are actually signs of a truly healthy body! What you might see as flaws are actually winning the “genetic lottery.”

“Flaw” One: Thick Thighs

Actually Help with Longevity

Many people who aren’t overweight but have thicker thighs often envy those with slim, long legs. However, more and more studies are finding that thicker thighs are actually a sign of good health and contribute to a longer life.

People with thicker thighs tend to have better blood lipid levels. For every 5 cm increase in thigh circumference, the risk of all-cause mortality decreases. Thicker thighs are associated with a lower risk of hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes. They also correlate with higher bone density.

The normal range for thigh circumference is 46–60 cm. Within this range, a larger thigh circumference generally indicates stronger leg muscles.

“Flaw” Two: Large Buttocks

Lower Risk of Diabetes

A study published in Diabetes Care pointed out that having more fat in the臀部 is a health advantage, linked to a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. Hip fat is negatively correlated with adipokine levels—for every standard deviation decrease in adipokine levels, the risk of type 2 diabetes increases by 16%. This is a unique benefit of hip fat.

People with larger buttocks tend to have better cerebrovascular health. Well-developed gluteal muscles can reduce the risk of falls; more hip fat is associated with a lower risk of diabetes; for every 10 cm increase in hip circumference, mortality rates decrease; women with more hip fat have a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases.

“Flaw” Three: Slightly Overweight Body

More Conducive to Longevity

Struggling to lose weight or finding it difficult to slim down… these are common frustrations for those who are slightly overweight. However, in the eyes of many doctors and scientists, a slightly overweight body is actually the optimal shape. Among elderly individuals who live long lives, those with a slightly overweight build and a smaller waist have the lowest mortality risk.

“Flaw” Four: Slightly Sloping Shoulders

Actually Not a Disorder

Most people don’t have perfectly square shoulders; they have a slight slope, often referred to as “sloping shoulders.” In fact, square shoulders aren’t a sign of a perfect body but rather a disorder. In a normal posture, shoulders aren’t completely level. The inner edges of the shoulder blades are narrower at the top and wider at the bottom, and the clavicle is about 20 degrees above the horizontal line.

Square shoulders, medically known as scapular downward rotation syndrome, rely on normal shoulder bone structure, proper shoulder rhythm, and rotator cuff tissues for movement. Square shoulders disrupt these structures and tissues, leading to limited shoulder mobility and even triggering shoulder impingement, which can cause subacromial bursitis and rotator cuff injuries.