A recent scientific study has caused a stir on social media and headlines around the world: women with larger buttocks not only tend to be healthier, but also smarter , according to researchers at Oxford University.

Far from being a simple unsubstantiated claim, the study analyzed data from more than 16,000 women and came to a surprising conclusion:

The accumulation of fat in the hips and buttocks can bring important benefits to health and cognitive development.

According to scientists, the fat stored in the buttocks and thighs—unlike abdominal fat— acts as a kind of protective shield . This fat contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for the heart and brain. It also helps reduce bad cholesterol levels and promotes better blood sugar control.

“Women with a higher proportion of gluteal fat tend to have a more favorable metabolic profile, with a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, or high cholesterol,” explained Dr. Konstantinos Manolopoulos, lead author of the study.