How the ‘perfect figure’ differs around the world

Many spend hours sweating away in the gym in order to achieve the ‘perfect’ figure.

But a fascinating new graphic reveals how the ideal physique can change depending on where you live. 

A picture of the same 28-year-old woman was photoshopped by 15 designers around the world to reflect what is considered to be the most desired body shape in their country.

Interestingly, the graphic by FitRated appears to show that people in every country featured appreciate a small waist and flat stomach.

The US ideal woman is more athletic, according to the graphic

The same image of a 28-year-old woman (pictured left) has been photoshopped to reflect what is considered to be the ‘perfect’ figure around the world. The US ideal woman is more athletic (right), according to the graphic 

The preferred figure in China is slim, with a focus on the abs.

Meanwhile, the preference in Mexico is for wider hips

The preferred figure in China (left) is slim, with a focus on the abs. Meanwhile, the preference in Mexico is for wider hips (right) 

The ideal body shape in Ukraine involves a slender waist

In Peru (left), there is also an emphasis on wide hips and toned abs. The ideal body shape in Ukraine involves a slender waist (right)

In Italy, women like to have muscle definition but also retain their natural curves

The model in the Philippines is slimmed down, while the shoulders are less broad

In Italy (left), women like to have muscle definition but also retain their natural curves. The model in the Philippines (right) is slimmed down, while the shoulders are less broad

However, the images also show major differences in terms of how slim, athletic or curvy the preferred body type. 

In the US, the desired physique appears to be athletic, with added muscle definition photoshopped onto the image. 

But in China, the figure is made to look slimmer, with a particular focus on a toned stomach.

Meanwhile, in Mexico, there is more emphasis on wider hips, which the artist explained is considered sexy there. 

In Romania, the preference is for a slim physique with toned abs

In the Netherlands, the ideal shape involves more muscular legs and and a defined waist

In Romania (left), the preference is for a slim physique with toned abs. In the Netherlands (right), the ideal shape involves more muscular legs and and a defined waist 

The ideal figure in Chile is muscular

In South Africa, the emphasis is on a lean physique

The ideal figure in Chile is muscular (left), while in South Africa (right), the emphasis is on a lean physique 

In Argentina, the image is photoshopped to make the model slimmer

In Spain, the woman is made to look more muscular

In Argentina (left), the image is photoshopped to make the model slimmer. But in Spain (right), the woman is made to look more muscular 

In Serbia, the emphasis is on a well-proportioned figure - with no emphasis on any particular part

Meanwhile in Nigeria, there preference is for wider hips

In Serbia (left), the emphasis is on a well-proportioned figure – with no emphasis on any particular part. Meanwhile in Nigeria (right), the preference is for wider hips 

The side-profile images also show countries have different perceptions of what is desirable when it comes to the derriere.

Mexico, Peru and the Netherlands and South Africa were the countries that added the most volume and definition to the rear.

Meanwhile, in China, the model’s frame was kept more slim than curvy.  

The side-profile images also show countries have different perceptions of what is desirable in terms of the derriere. More volume and definition was added onto the rear in Mexico, Peru and the Netherlands and South Africa

The side-profile images also show countries have different perceptions of what is desirable in terms of the derriere. More volume and definition was added onto the rear in Mexico, Peru and the Netherlands and South Africa

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