Which aspect of the waist to hip ratio has been particularly noted in research related to attractiveness?

Research has consistently shown that a lower waist to hip ratio is often perceived as more attractive, particularly in the context of female body shapes. This preference is thought to be driven by evolutionary factors, where a lower ratio indicates better health and fertility, which may be subconsciously associated with reproductive success. Studies indicate that men tend to find women with a waist to hip ratio around 0.7 more attractive than those with higher ratios. This is an adaptive preference as it signals youth and biological fitness, thus making the lower ratio more desirable in social and mating contexts.