Thread: Are the days of the hourglass figure numbered?

Came across this today and just wondered what you think. I know of two members of this forum whose hourglass figures feature in the gallery of The Hourglass. And both are Fab-U-Lous.
Here's the story for you to comment on.

HIGH-powered career women could be responsible for the end of the sexy hourglass figure.



Experts claim that working women are less likely to have the classic curvy shape of a tiny waist, wide hips and big boobs.

It was made famous by the likes of old school beauties Sophia Loren, and Marilyn Monroe, while Kelly Brook, has championed the shape more recently.

But now, women are likely to be more straight up and down, like actress Keira Knightley, and singer Cheryl Cole, with weight around the middle rather than the hips.

And it is hard work and stress levels that are putting an end to curvy girls like singer Beyoncé, and model Lucy Pinder.

Studies found women with a waist-to-hip ratio of 0.7 – where the waist circumference is 70% of the hips – or lower, have higher fertility rates and less chance of chronic disease.

Expert Elizabeth Cashdan says working women release more hormones that help them become physically stronger, so they can deal with the stress of high-powered jobs.

But as a result, women develop a figure more like Kate Moss, and Madonna, with fewer curves, small boobs and no hips.

Prof Cashdan made the discovery measuring waist-to-hip ratio in 37 countries.

She said: “Waist-to-hip ratio may be a useful signal to men… but whether men prefer it should depend on the degree to which they want their mates to be strong, tough, economically successful and politically competitive.�

She added: “And from a woman’s perspective, men’s preferences are not the only thing that matters.

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I am seriously considering tying to become an hour glass model..... i just need to find a date and sign up for the photo shoot.

Originally Posted by Broomy

But as a result, women develop a figure more like Kate Moss, and Madonna, with fewer curves, small boobs and no hips.

If stress levels really did that, I'd be laughing.

I'm an Hourglass girl (Miss February 2008) and I'd recommend it to anyone. Nicole is a diamond and her work is fantastic!

Plug over: I do worry about the hourglass figure disappearing but then not every woman is living the 80's power woman lifestyle. In fact, I predict that the credit problems will result in more women of my generation (in their 20's and 30's) turning to less stressful careers or taking on the role of housewife.

The majority of my schoolfriends have married and had families young. They chose to set up a home and I have even seen 19 year olds learning the arts of knitting and baking.

Perhaps we'll see a retro style revolution in more than just fashion!

This wasn't in the Daily Mail by any chance? This sounds like the kind of story they love subtext 'Woman working in powerful jobs aren't feminine enough, and will get disease's and die.' I give it a week before a story claiming the exact opposite appears

Originally Posted by Claudia Atlantis

Plug over: I do worry about the hourglass figure disappearing but then not every woman is living the 80's power woman lifestyle. In fact, I predict that the credit problems will result in more women of my generation (in their 20's and 30's) turning to less stressful careers or taking on the role of housewife.

The majority of my schoolfriends have married and had families young. They chose to set up a home and I have even seen 19 year olds learning the arts of knitting and baking.

Perhaps we'll see a retro style revolution in more than just fashion!

It's funny to mention that, being brought up in a small town in Canada, I was never brought up to have to have a job, instead I was always taught that someday I would marry and instantly have a husband and family to take care of. I was taught from a very young age to knit, sew, crochet, iron.. cook, bake ..etc etc,
After leaving the small town I had to work, no one was going to make a living for me, especially dating a guy from Scotland. We travelled back and forth and finally settled down in Glasgow. Im here on a 2 year holiday maker, unfortunately my year is up for working and now its holiday time.. well actually housewife time, im now applying for a spousal visa and hopefully back to work soon! its all very complicated lol and anywho where was I going with this?
I really enjoy the housewife thing, but it does get lonely, especially being in a whole different country not knowing many people! but I would like to see more woman in the homes, taking on the role of a housewife.. I know it sounds old fashioned, but as going to work everyday can be rewarding.. so is taking care of your home and family .. now let me get my pinny on and get those muffins made! ops:
xx

Some women naturally have boyish shapes, some achieve them through excessive diet/exercise. SOme women (I stand up to be counted here) have naturally curvaceous bodies. Yay.

As we are the ones who are more geared up for baby making, Darwinian evolution suggests that those curvy genes will not be going anywhere, whether we like it or not!

The skinny woman thing is as much to do with the fashion of being thin as anything else. These high-powered business women diet and slog at the gym because they are power junkies and need to have control over every aspect of their whole lives!

How boring!

Originally Posted by Mags

I was taught from a very young age to knit, sew, crochet, iron.. cook, bake ..etc etc,

Your post made me think, actually.

As a complete opposite, I was taught most of that so that I could look after myself, more than anything - Mother was busy. Was never brought up with the spouse/family expectation. But then I was meant to be the clever one, until I went off the rails...



I think a lot of educated women of all shapes and sizes are remaing child-free these days not as a result of hormones or the lust for power, but that we're so heavily debt laden by the time we finish an education we have to work it off before we reach solvency. And unlike several decades ago, it takes two full-time incomes to afford a house. :neutral: It's not always a simple choice.

Hell, it's a good thing I have no family inclinations, if I quit work we'd be broke. :shock:

Originally Posted by Miss D

I think a lot of educated women of all shapes and sizes are remaing child-free these days not as a result of hormones or the lust for power, but that we're so heavily debt laden by the time we finish an education we have to work it off before we reach solvency. And unlike several decades ago, it takes two full-time incomes to afford a house. :neutral: It's not always a simple choice.
:

Thats all too true, by the time we finish school we are already in some serious debt, and it doesn't finish there. Both sexes need to work just to pay the bills and rent/mortgage, and then put food on the table. Its upsetting though when you see families working so hard, both parents and still finding it fiancially difficult! .. Even though im married, I am nowhere near ready for kids, mentally and fiancially.
xx

This survey is total crap! I've been a stressed out career woman for 15 years now and my waist hip ratio remains the same - and that's after having a baby.

The curvy woman became really fashionable in the 1950s and this was after women had worked in factories during WWII, were career girls for the first time and we no doubt more than a little stressed due to the war going on! Surely if the survey was true, by the 1950s thye would have been straight up and down?

Women's bodys are changing through change in diet and exercise.

That's my rant for the day!

Katie