Men 'prefer curvy women to those those who are size zero', study claims

Men prefer “normal” sized women with average weight and curves than those who are fashionably thin with a size zero body, a study claims.

The above heading appeared in an article by Andrew Hough in The Telegraph on 28 Oct 2009, The article goes on to explain that men prefer normal sized women and cites celebrity curvy girls like Scarlett Johansson and Kate Winslet. This article has since been discussed on BBC Radio Newcastle, and I have seen it on Facebook and Twitter as well as other radio and television programmes.
Research like this is great; I always knew anorexia wasn’t sexy. The problem with this article however is perception. Andrew refers to men liking “normal” women; I am presuming he means a dress size 12 or 14, which may be considered normal. You could however point out that the average woman in the UK is now a size 16 or over, now “normal” is down to perception, is someone of size 16 who is 5 ft curvy, normal or fat?
The other important factor is that the survey was taken by university students, aged 18-26, younger women carrying extra weight can at times carry it well and in proportion, those extra pounds not yet facing gravity, youth allowing a certain allure to the curvy frame.
I spend my working life matchmaking; I ask women and men to be honest about their appearance and also honest about what and who they are looking for. 90% of my men ask for Slim women , I always ask what their definition of slim is, for most it is a size 12 or under or a size 14 who is tall.
I will not apologise or criticise men for being honest, in some cases I suspect surveys are if not rigged then worded to achieve a given outcome. Men and women are so scared of being politically correct that even their dating preferences are curtailed by what they think is acceptable to voice.
Telling women that men prefer curves is fine if it is true and if the women are honest about their own bodies, I fear this survey is what people want to hear to justify that second slice of cake. Curves are sexy, but ladies I am sorry to tell you fat is not sexy and any feel good surveys that say it is are lying and appealing to the popular, being PC and are misleading.
xxxxxxxLouise x xx x