According to an article in the International Journal of Obesity (January 2010) having a larger bottom could be good for your health. The report says that high levels of the type of fat which is found especially around our bottom and thighs is linked to lower levels of heart problems and lower cholesterol. Apparently the fat reduces the effect of a harmful protein, which can trigger inflammation and illness.

Scientists have long warned of the dangers of accumulating fat around the tummy - a main risk factor in developing diabetes, heart disease and a host of other obesity-related illnesses, but the type of fat accumulated around our thighs and buttocks is different. The research states: "Body fat distribution is a major determinant of metabolic health and gluteofemoral (fat) exerts specific functional properties that are associated with an improved … cardiovascular risk profile.” So there is 'good' fat and 'bad' fat – just like there is good and bad cholesterol.  

It is always encouraging (although it seldom seems to happen) when health research is found to be in line with fashion trends.  And there does seem to be a swing over the past year or so away from the skinny, anorexic size zero look to a more natural curvy figure. There is even a new product out now which offers women the ability to make their bums look bigger. They are called ‘Padded Shorties’ and are basically pants with fake buttocks stitched on to make your bum stick out more!  

As always, new trends have their role models. This is what Beyoncé has to say: "I feel best when I'm not really thin and not really heavy - when I'm still curvy… I really believe that everyone is supposed to be different, and whatever is a natural weight for you is usually what looks best…  I never want to get to that point where it's not natural…. I think it's important to feel like a woman, as well as look like a woman."

Gemma Arterton isn't falling for the Hollywood thin bug either. The Quantum of Solace star is adamant she is happy with her curvy body and can't bear depriving herself of food.  "I refuse to conform to this muscly, sinewy look that so many actresses seem to think is attractive. When girls say they're not hungry, they're lying," 

And it would seem that when it comes to sexual attraction, curvy also scores over stick thin. Last Autumn St. Andrews University published some research taken among their male students and found that they rated women in the normal weight range as being more attractive than ultra slim girls.

Most of my readers will welcome all these developments, I am sure. Too bad that when I hit those sensitive teenage years (back in the swinging sixties) Marilyn Monroe was just out and Twiggy was in. Gone were the narrow waists and billowing skirts held out with stiffened net, and in came the mini-skirt. Ah well…better late than never!

But does it matter what’s ‘in’ or what’s ‘out’? In fact, does body-image count at all? The only image which the Bible calls us to conform to is the image of Christ.  Man looks on the outward, but God looks on the inward –on the heart.  It is our inner beauty which is attractive to him and which brings glory to his Name.  

If we are overweight so that our health is at risk, this is something we need to address; if we are fat through undisciplined eating, we need to recognise this and seek God for his grace to empower us to overcome; if we are out of condition through lack of exercise then we need to get off our bums (whatever their shape or size) and get moving. But if we are naturally pear-shaped and don’t find swimwear particularly flattering… well, so be it.  We’ll probably live longer because of it!