Curvaceous female bodies activate neural reward centers in men

Commun Integr Biol. 2010 May;3(3):282-3. doi: 10.4161/cib.3.3.11560.

Abstract

Facial symmetry, masculinity and shoulder-to-hip ratios in men convey information to mates about reproductive/genetic quality, the so-called "good genes" hypothesis. On the other hand waist-to-hip ratio conveys important reproductive information about women to men. Here using fMRI, men showed activation in neural reward centers when they viewed and rated the attractiveness of surgically optimally configured female bodies.

Keywords: evolutionary biology; human behavior; mate choice; neuroscience; sexual selection; waist-to-hip ratio (WHR).