From the Guidelines
Engaging in physical activity is likely to increase rated physical attractiveness, as it improves physical appearance and signals health and genetic fitness to others. Several factors have been found to increase rated attractiveness, including maintaining good physical health through regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep, which can enhance physical appearance 1. Personal grooming, including clean hair, skin care, and appropriate clothing, significantly impacts first impressions. Confidence and positive body language, such as good posture, eye contact, and genuine smiling, make individuals appear more attractive. Developing social skills and showing kindness toward others creates emotional attraction beyond physical appearance.
Some studies have found that perceiving benefits from engaging in physical activity, such as improving appearance, is positively associated with increased physical activity among young people 1. Additionally, digital health interventions that promote physical activity have been found to slightly increase objectively measured physical activity and subjectively measured physical function, which may also contribute to increased rated physical attractiveness 1.
It's also worth noting that positive psychological well-being, which can be promoted through physical activity and other interventions, has been linked to improved physical health and quality of life 1. However, the most recent and highest quality study on this topic, a 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis, found that digital health interventions promoting physical activity likely slightly increase objectively measured physical activity and subjectively measured physical function, but the evidence is very uncertain 1.
Overall, the evidence suggests that engaging in physical activity and promoting positive psychological well-being can increase rated physical attractiveness, but more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between these factors.
- Key factors that increase rated physical attractiveness include:
- Maintaining good physical health through regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep
- Personal grooming, including clean hair, skin care, and appropriate clothing
- Confidence and positive body language, such as good posture, eye contact, and genuine smiling
- Developing social skills and showing kindness toward others
- Engaging in physical activity and promoting positive psychological well-being
- The most recent and highest quality study on this topic found that digital health interventions promoting physical activity likely slightly increase objectively measured physical activity and subjectively measured physical function, but the evidence is very uncertain 1.
From the Research
Factors Influencing Rated Physical Attractiveness
- Physical attractiveness has been found to be positively correlated with happiness, psychological health, and self-esteem in women, but not in men 2
- Perceived sport competence and body attractiveness can influence physical activity and other healthy lifestyle habits in adolescents, with body attractiveness positively correlating with physical activity in boys and negatively in girls 3
- Symptoms of poor health and skinfold have been found to negatively predict facial attractiveness, while exercise and lower stress levels can mediate the links between lifestyle factors and facial attractiveness 4
- Weight perception and perceived attractiveness are associated with self-rated health in young adults, with those who think they are more attractive reporting better health 5
- Improvements in acne-complexion graded efficacy parameters, such as tactile surface roughness, uneven skin tone, skin blotchiness, and lack of skin clarity, can also improve rated physical attractiveness, as seen in a study on the efficacy of a topical combination regimen of benzoyl peroxide and retinol moisturizer for mild to moderate acne 6
Lifestyle and Hormonal Variables
- Lifestyle factors such as exercise, stress, and sleep habits can influence rated physical attractiveness, with a sequential mediation model showing support for an indirect effect on facial attractiveness 4
- Hormonal variables, such as testosterone and cortisol, can also play a role in rated physical attractiveness, although the relationship is complex and requires further research 4
Demographic Differences
- Demographic differences, such as race/ethnicity, nativity status, marital status, education, and income, can influence self-rated health and rated physical attractiveness, with Hispanic, Black, and Asian young adults reporting poorer health relative to Whites 5