When it comes to body image, having bigger boobs is something many women may dream about.
But be careful what you wish for – as those who boast larger cup sizes tend to have lower levels of satisfaction with their breasts, a study suggests.
Researchers recruited 345 women, aged between 18 and 83, and measured their height, BMI and breast volume.
Participants were asked to fill out questionnaires on breast satisfaction, which covered various aspects including how well their bras fit, the shape of their breasts with and without a bra, the size of their breasts and how their breasts look in clothes. Further questions about exercise were also included.
Results, published in the journal Women’s Health, revealed those with larger breasts were more likely to report they were dissatisfied with them. Analysis also showed women who were unhappier with their breasts felt less attractive and had less sexual confidence.
Women who boast larger cup sizes tend to have lower levels of satisfaction with their breasts, a new study suggests
On the other hand those who were more content with their breasts were found to do more exercise and reported better quality of life. The researchers, from the University of Canberra in Australia, wrote: ‘Breast satisfaction was influenced by breast size, such that women with larger breasts were less satisfied with their breasts compared to their counterparts with smaller breasts.
‘Our finding conflicts with societal standards and beliefs that suggest large breasts are congruent with femininity, beauty and sexual attractiveness.’
Being unhappy with breasts has previously been linked to negative body image, decreased wellbeing and less awareness of changes in breasts – which could have serious health implications.
The researchers cautioned that breast size was measured through breast volume, rather than bra size, during their study. This was necessary to limit the often inaccurate self-reporting of breast size.
Figures released earlier this year by the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons revealed that in 2022, a total of 6,640 women in the UK underwent breast enlargement compared with 5,270 who had a reduction.
In 2018, 3,743 women had a breast reduction – showing a 40 per cent rise in popularity in just four years. The procedure is designed to help women unhappy with the shape, weight or droop of their breasts by making them smaller and more lifted.
