The ‘meathead’ stereotype is WRONG! Muscular men tend to be intelligent, study finds

It’s a stereotype characterized by brawn rather than brains, but men with masculine bodies tend to be intelligent, a study suggests.

Researchers have found that young men’s intelligence is linked to physical characteristics such as grip strength and a higher shoulder-to-hip ratio.

They also found that these intelligent, virile men were less interested in casual sex than their counterparts.

The findings cast doubt on the “idiot” cliché that men who are intensely dedicated to bodybuilding and fitness are generally simple-minded.

And it suggests that there is an “overall fitness factor” that combines intelligence, a V-shaped torso, and a desire for long, committed relationships.

“Our results are more consistent with the idea that, at least in men, intelligence is related to physical health and/or good genes, but is inversely related to promiscuous sexual behavior,” lead author Tara DeLecce, of Oakland University, told PsyPost.

“Some may interpret this as increased difficulty in mating success.”

“However, it could also suggest that males with higher intelligence are more likely to succeed in monogamous mating contexts.”

Men with a higher shoulder-to-hip ratio include Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (left). This “V” body shape is generally associated with being more muscular and masculine and is often considered a marker of physical health.

For their study, the team recruited 41 men aged 18 to 34.

They measured their intelligence through a series of tests, while a promiscuity score was generated through questionnaires about their sexual history.

Participants also took part in a grip test to measure strength, while their BMI and height were also recorded.

Body shape was determined using shoulder and hip measurements.

Those with a high shoulder-to-hip ratio typically have broad shoulders and a broad chest that tapers to a much narrower waist.

This “V” body shape is generally associated with being more muscular and masculine and is often considered a marker of physical health.

Examples include Hollywood legend Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

In contrast, we find a more “pear-shaped” body, characterized by narrower shoulders and wider hips – seen in celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Michael McIntyre.

In contrast, a more “pear-shaped” body, characterized by narrower shoulders and wider hips – seen in celebrities such as Michael McIntyre (left) and Leonardo DiCaprio (right).

The study, published in the journal Evolutionary Psychological Science, states: “There are significant positive correlations between intelligence, hand grip strength and shoulder-to-hip ratio.

“Conversely, there was a significant negative correlation between intelligence and promiscuous sexual behavior.”

“Taken together, the current results suggest a more nuanced picture of how traits indicative of genetic quality relate to overall fitness.”

The researchers said the findings indicate that highly intelligent men do better in long-term monogamous relationships rather than casual sexual relationships.

Moving toward sexual exclusivity could be a more modern human strategy that requires greater intelligence to navigate successfully, they added.

A previous study found that women prefer men with more feminine faces. In a test of more than 1,500 participants from Japan and the United Kingdom, researchers found no preference for men with more masculine features.

Despite some research suggesting otherwise, participants across all fields had a general preference for more feminine characteristics in both men and women.

Lead researcher Dr Thora Bjornsdottir, from the University of Stirling, told the Daily Mail: “We were somewhat surprised to find that no group preferred masculinity on men’s faces.”

Meanwhile, last year, experts discovered that men like to eat meat because it makes them feel manly.

Researchers from the University of Bath surveyed more than 1,000 Brits about why they like to eat burgers, steaks and kebabs.

The results revealed a link between higher levels of meat consumption and the idea that meat is masculine.

Researchers also found that meat-loving men often view plant-based alternatives to meat and dairy as “unnatural.”