The results also suggest that both BMI and torso shape are important components for the creation of the ideal body. The results suggest a consistent preference for an ideal male and female body size and shape across both genders. This was a lower BMI than the actual BMI of roughly half of the men and a higher BMI than the other half.

This was a lower BMI than the actual BMI of 39 of the 40 women. The ideal female body set by women (BMI = 18.9, WHR = 0.70, WCR = 0.67) was very similar to the ideal partner set by men, particularly in their BMI (BMI = 18.8, WHR = 0.73, WCR = 0.69). The volume (and thus the weight assuming a standard density) and the circumference of the bust, waist and hips of these 3D models can then be measured. In this programme the shape and size of a 3D body can be altered along 94 independent dimensions, allowing each participant to create the exact size and shape of the body they want. 1.66) set their own ideal size and shape, and the size and shape of their ideal partner using the DAZ studio image manipulation programme.

Forty female and forty male heterosexual Caucasian observers (females mean age 19.10 years, s.d. What is the ideal body size and shape that we want for ourselves and our partners? What are the important physical features in this ideal? And do both genders agree on what is an attractive body? To answer these questions we used a 3D interactive software system which allows our participants to produce a photorealistic, virtual male or female body.

3d bmi body visualizer