Surprising Scientific Study Challenges Conventional Beauty Standards
Science often confirms what we already know, but occasionally, it surprises us with new findings that challenge conventional beliefs. A recent scientific study has raised eyebrows by suggesting that a 43-year-old model may possess the ‘ideal figure.’ In this article, we delve into the study’s revelations and explore the evolving standards of beauty.
The Ever-Changing Ideal Body Type
Traditionally, the fashion industry has favored extremely slim body types, epitomized by iconic models like Kate Moss. Marilyn Monroe’s voluptuous figure, once admired, has been replaced by the preference for an hourglass shape. However, a groundbreaking study from Texas University has questioned this longstanding notion.
Embracing Fuller and Curvier Figures
The study indicates that a ‘fuller’ and ‘curvier’ body type is preferred among women. The ideal body mass index (BMI) is identified as 18.85, with specific measurements for bust size, waist, and hips. Interestingly, these specifications closely align with those of British model Kelly Brook, whose appearance challenges today’s beauty standards.

Beauty Lies in the Eye of the Beholder
It is crucial to acknowledge that attractiveness is subjective, and people have diverse aesthetic preferences. While the study identifies an ‘ideal’ body type based on scientific data, it does not invalidate other body shapes as unacceptable or unattractive. It merely challenges the conventional notion that thinness is the sole measure of beauty.
Celebrating Diversity in Beauty
Recognizing the variance in perceptions of attractiveness is particularly relevant in contemporary society, which increasingly values diversity. The modeling industry has gradually embraced plus-size models, exemplified by trailblazers like Ashley Graham. Such inclusivity highlights that all body types can be stunning and should be celebrated.
The scientific study challenging conventional beauty standards sparks thought-provoking discussions about attractiveness and societal norms. While it identifies an ‘ideal’ body type, it does not diminish the beauty of other forms. Embracing diversity in beauty empowers individuals to appreciate their uniqueness and promotes a more inclusive perspective on attractiveness. As we continue to evolve, let us celebrate the myriad ways beauty manifests itself in our world.
What are your views on the study’s conclusions and the evolving standards of beauty? Join the conversation and share your opinions in the comments section. Let your friends and family participate in this thought-provoking discussion!
The fascinating and tragic story of Mary Ann Bevan
The story of Mary Ann Bevan, who was considered ‘The ugliest woman in the world,’ starts in the 19th century, a dark period of the American culture when ‘freak shows,’ traveling circuses showing people with certain deformities and disabilities, were at the peak of their popularity.
Today, it is highly unacceptable to treat people with disabilities with disrespect, but back in the day, no one believed it was morally wrong to dub them freaks.
Mary Ann Bevan was born on December 20, 1874, in Plaistow, East London, United Kingdom. She grew up to become a nurse and was respected by the society. On top of that, she was a very attractive woman who was offered many possibilities.

In 1902, Mary met the love of her life, a man named Thomas Bevan. The two married and welcomed four children together, but their happiness didn’t last long. After 14 years, Thomas passed away, leaving Mary heartbroken.
Her life became difficult as she was left to take care and provide for her children all by herself.
Unfortunately, around the time she turned 32, Mary started experiencing strange symptoms. Her face started changing gradually and she didn’t know what was happening or what caused that change which impacted her both psychologically and financially. Mary’s bones grew big, and her face became deformed. As a result, she lost her job and was unable to provide for her children any longer.
Back in the day, no one could diagnose her, but this poor woman suffered from acromegaly, a hormonal disorder that develops when the pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone during adulthood, when a change in height doesn’t occur. Instead, the increase in bone size is limited to the bones of the hands, feet and face.
Today, a lot more is knows about this condition and there are ways to keep it under control, which wasn’t the case during the time Mary lived.

Crushed, heartbroken, and poor, this woman saw an ad one day which read, “Wanted: Ugliest woman. Nothing repulsive, maimed or disfigured. Good pay guaranteed, and long engagement for successful applicant. Send recent photograph.”
No matter how awful she felt about this ‘job,’ she saw no way out of her situation. She simply needed to do anything in order to feed her children. Above all, she was a mother.
Mary answered the ad and she was soon contacted by the circus’ agent, a man named Claude Bartram, who later shared Mary’s story.
“She was not repulsive at all. She had the kind of face one usually finds in a giant, a powerful, masculine jaw, prominent cheek-bones, nose and forehead, but she was unblemished, healthy and strong. She told me she did not like the idea of placing herself on exhibition, she was shy and did not want to be separated from her children,” Bartram said, according to Daily Star.
“I told her she would earn £10 per week for a year, travelling expenses and all the money from the sale of picture postcards of herself, so she could provide for the education of her children.”
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In no time, magazines were filled with Mary Ann’s photos and everyone recognized her as ‘the ugliest woman on Earth.’
Her popularity brought her to the Dreamland Circus in Coney Island, New York, one of the most famous circuses there were. Mary Ann became an attraction, but then a doctor named Harvey Cushing, a leading neurosurgeon, spotted her and knew there was more behind ger huge face that he wanted to explore thoroughly.
“This unfortunate woman who sits in the sideshow of Ringling Brothers ‘between Fat Lady and Armless Wonder’ and ‘affects white lace hats, woollen mittens and high laced shoes’ has a story which is far from mirth-provoking.
“She, previously a vigorous and good-looking young woman, has become the victim of a disease known as acromegaly,” he wrote in a letter to Time magazine.

Mary Ann spent her life working at the circus and she was reported to have earned a small fortune which enabled her to send her children back to England where they attended boarding schools.
She endured a lot, but she did it all for her children.
Mary Ann died at the age of 59 of natural causes. Her final wish was to be buried in her homeland, England, and her children fulfilled her wish. She is resting at the Ladywell and Brockley Cemetery in South London.

This woman’s sad, yet fascinating life story speaks of the mother’s love for her children more than anything else.
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