Ethnic differences in preferences for female weight and waist-to-hip ratio: A comparison of African American and White American college and community samples

The present study examined both ethnic differences and differences between college and community samples in preferences for ideal body size and shape. As expected, it was found that African American men were more likely to choose heavier figures as ideal than were White American men. There were no differences in ideal weight between college and community subsamples. As expected, both ethnic groups chose figures with a low WHR, but African American men were more likely to chose a very low WHR as ideal. The study's findings suggest that African American men's preferences serve as a protective factor against eating and body image pathology. Furthermore, findings replicate research showing weight to be a more important cue than WHR in the mate selection process.