When it comes to transforming into a fitness model with a chiseled physique, many men believe it’s a surefire way to impress their partners.
However, it seems that the reality can be quite different, especially when it comes to the reactions of the women in their lives.
Just ask Olly Murs.
After unveiling his 12-week body transformation, the 38-year-old singer and expectant father received an unexpected response from his female fans.
Despite his dedication to getting into shape for his upcoming tour, many women expressed a preference for his previous “dad bod” look.
The Dad Bod Debate: More Than Just a Trend
Olly Murs is far from the only celebrity to have experienced mixed reactions to a body makeover.
Take Chris Pratt, for example. Known for his transformation from a lovable, round character in Parks and Recreation to a lean, muscular hero in Guardians of the Galaxy, Chris has also sparked discussions about the appeal of the “dad bod.”
Interestingly, his fans often proclaim that the “dad bod” version of Chris is the most attractive.
Similarly, David Harbour, star of Stranger Things, has openly celebrated his dad bod, even after undergoing a significant weight loss transformation for the show.
This shift in body preferences isn’t just a coincidence.
Women seem to appreciate a softer, fuller body, while men often gravitate towards ultra-toned physiques.
The dad bod movement, as some call it, represents a body that is strong but not necessarily sculpted to perfection—something that many women find more approachable and relatable.
The Survey Results: A Clear Divide
Over the weekend, Olly’s transformation photos were shared on social media by PhD student William Costello, who conducted an informal poll asking both men and women which version of Olly they preferred.
The results were revealing.
While 42.6% of male respondents favored Olly’s more sculpted, post-transformation look, a significant 26.8% of female respondents preferred his previous, softer appearance.
Only 7% of women thought he looked better with his newly shredded physique.
This sparked further discussions online, with many people questioning why women seemed to favor the “before” version.
One woman pointed out that the post-transformation look seemed too harsh and that she couldn’t imagine being in a relationship with someone so obsessed with food and fitness.
Others echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that the dad bod offers a sense of comfort and relatability that a toned physique might lack.
The Science Behind the Dad Bod Appeal
It turns out there’s some science that supports this preference for dad bods.
A 2000 study by researchers at Harvard Medical School revealed that while men often aspire to have bodies with more muscle than they currently possess, women tend to find men with slightly softer physiques more attractive.
Similarly, a 2004 study by the University of California found that men overestimate how much muscularity women actually prefer, while women tend to overestimate how thin men find women attractive.
A more recent survey by Dating.com in 2021 further confirmed this trend, with 75% of respondents saying they preferred the dad bod to a more toned physique.
Only a small percentage, just 15%, were drawn to the ultra-muscular or “Barbie and Ken” body types.
Why the Dad Bod Might Be Here to Stay
It’s clear that the dad bod has its own appeal—one that resonates with both men and women.
For many women, a little bit of extra padding suggests strength, stability, and approachability, making the dad bod far more attractive than a body defined by perfectly sculpted muscles.
Celebrities like Olly Murs, Chris Pratt, and David Harbour are just the latest examples of how perceptions of the ideal male body are shifting.
It seems that for many, a little bit of softness is far more swoon-worthy than an over-the-top, muscle-bound physique.
So, what’s next?
Perhaps we’ll see more men embracing their dad bods, feeling more confident in their natural bodies, knowing that for many, it’s exactly what women find most appealing.