Facial appearance and metabolic health biomarkers in women.

ABSTRACT: Facial appearance has been suggested to provide an honest cue of an individual's biological condition. However, there is little direct evidence that facial attractiveness reflects actual health. Here we tested if facial appearance is related with metabolic health biomarkers. Face photographs of 161 healthy, young women (M_age = 28.59, SD_age = 2.34) were assessed in terms of perceived attractiveness and health. Metabolic health was evaluated based on levels of markers of lipid and glucose metabolism balance, liver functioning, and inflammation. BMI, testosterone (T), and estradiol (E2) levels were controlled. Facial attractiveness, but not health, was negatively related with lipid profile components detrimental to health (total cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides) but not w

SUBMITTER: Zelazniewicz A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7398920 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature