I found a study for the suckers who eat sardines for dinner and want to attempt to clown buffet aficionados and our rotund brothers and sisters:
The Modern Attraction of Abundance: How Enjoying Food Makes You a More Desirable Mate
Executive Summary: An emerging body of research suggests that, contrary to traditional beauty standards, individuals who display a passion for food and an embrace of abundance—not only in terms of eating habits but in their overall physical presentation—are increasingly seen as more attractive and desirable. This report explores how contemporary attitudes toward food, body type, and wealth have shifted the dynamics of attraction, challenging the notion that thinner or more "aesthetic" bodies are universally preferred in romantic selection. In fact, there is compelling evidence that a love for food, a robust appetite, and a larger physique can be considered signs of strength, stability, and desirability.
1. The Historical Foundation: Power and Plenty
Historically, access to food has always been a significant marker of social status and attractiveness. From ancient kings hosting grand feasts to feudal lords controlling the bounty of the land, the ability to access and enjoy plentiful food was seen as a sign of wealth and power. In many early societies, physical strength and an ability to secure food resources were essential traits for survival and reproduction. Those with a larger physique were often seen as more capable of providing for their families and sustaining their communities.
In today’s context, those who indulge in food and display an enjoyment of abundance demonstrate an ability to secure and provide for their own needs. This trait is no less attractive today than it was centuries ago, with modern preferences shifting toward individuals who embrace abundance and celebrate life with confidence, rather than those who restrict or limit their own enjoyment.
2. Cultural Shifts: The Allure of the Buffet-Lover
The rise of “foodie” culture, coupled with the proliferation of buffets and large, indulgent meals, has contributed to the reshaping of societal views on body image. Rather than seeing food as something to be controlled or rationed, many individuals now see it as a source of joy, a cultural experience, and even a form of self-expression. Those who embrace this philosophy, enjoying food freely and without shame, are seen as confident, secure, and unafraid to live fully. These are qualities that many find highly attractive.
Studies in social psychology and attraction theory show that individuals who partake in and appreciate large, diverse meals—especially in group settings—are perceived as abundant, generous, and socially competent. These characteristics are linked to positive perceptions of mate value, as they imply that the individual is well-provisioned, capable of handling plenty, and emotionally open.
3. Bigger Bodies, Bigger Desirability: The Hidden Truth About Size
While societal standards have historically favored slimmer bodies, recent research suggests that larger body types may now be more attractive to certain demographics. Far from being a liability, a fuller physique is increasingly associated with wealth, prosperity, and self-assurance. Larger bodies can signal that an individual has access to resources (including food), which were historically linked to survival and success. These attributes are now seen as assets in a mate, as they imply the ability to provide and protect.
Moreover, the act of enjoying food and embracing a larger physique aligns with key evolutionary principles. It communicates that the individual is well-nourished, capable of enduring times of plenty and scarcity alike, and generally stable. In the context of mate selection, these qualities are perceived as highly attractive, particularly among individuals seeking a partner who is resilient, grounded, and self-assured.
4. The Psychology of Abundance: Why More is Better
Recent studies in evolutionary psychology and behavioral science support the notion that abundance is attractive in mate selection. Humans are inherently drawn to signs of plenty because they signal a capacity for comfort and security. A larger, well-fed individual not only appears to be well taken care of, but also radiates an aura of stability and affluence, which are often associated with long-term success and the ability to care for future generations.
Furthermore, those who embrace a lifestyle of abundance often exude confidence, comfort, and joy, all of which contribute to increased attractiveness. There is a magnetic quality to individuals who can enjoy life’s pleasures to the fullest, and those who demonstrate an uninhibited love for food are often viewed as open, confident, and willing to share that enjoyment with others. This makes them highly desirable mates who offer both emotional and physical sustenance.
5. Lust, Desire, and the Feast of Life
The relationship between food and attraction goes beyond mere sustenance; it represents a deeper connection to life’s pleasures. Those who love food are often seen as individuals who know how to live well and share that experience with others. The modern “buffet-lover” represents more than just someone who enjoys a large meal—he or she embodies a lifestyle of celebration, abundance, and generosity. These are qualities that are universally admired and sought after in a mate.
When women and men look for partners, they are drawn not only to physical appearance but to the character traits that promise a rich, fulfilling life. A person who can enjoy a hearty meal, savor every bite, and share that experience is often perceived as someone who can provide joy, stability, and an unfiltered passion for life. In this context, enjoying food—especially in generous amounts—becomes an undeniable symbol of lust, attraction, and long-term desirability.
Conclusion: The Feast is Far from Over—It’s Just Beginning
The tides of attraction are shifting. Where once thinness, restraint, and control were prized, today, an abundance of food, a larger physique, and an unabashed enjoyment of life’s pleasures are proving to be powerful forces in romantic selection. Those who embrace food—not as a guilty pleasure, but as a celebration of life’s bounty—are emerging as more attractive, desirable partners.
This report confirms what many have suspected: the love of food, a hearty appetite, and a larger body are no longer viewed as hindrances but as signs of power, abundance, and emotional security. So, to those who mock or judge, remember this: the future belongs to the feasters, and those who are bold enough to indulge in life’s pleasures will be the ones sought after most.