Apparently, the curves you loathe can actually protect you from some serious diseases. Dr Catti Moss, a GP from the Royal College of General Practitioners, says, "It's great to have the curves, as long as you have a healthy BMI (body mass index) and waist-to-hip ration."

Curvy Hips

PROTECTS AGAINST HEART DISEASE

Danish scientists found that women with wide hips - particularly 40 inches - have an 86 percent decreased risk of coronary heart disease. A curvaceous, pear shape means a woman is more likely to have stores of adiponectin, a protein hormone, which has anti-inflammatory effects and is associated with reduced risk of heart attacks. Berit Heitmann, professor of nutritional epidemiology at the Institute of Preventative Medicine in Copenhagen, says, "Fat on hips is different than fat on the abdomen. If you do not have enough of this fat you may risk heart attacks."

Round Bottom

PREVENT DIABETES

New research claims that fat around the bottom can help protect women from developing diabetes. According to recent findings from Harvard Medical School, having fat on the bottom helps regulate blood sugar levels and maintains a consistent production of insulin in the body thus preventing diabetes.

Researchers also found that fat that collects around the stomach can raise the risk of Type 2 diabetes but those with pear-shaped bodies, with fat deposits in the buttocks and hips, are less prone to these conditions.

Fuller Thighs

CUTS RISK OF HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

"Our body of research, as well as some others, suggest that leg fat is good fat," said Rachael Van Pelt, a researcher from The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. "It's protective, at least with respect to the risk factors we've looked at." Studies in Sweden confirm that cellulite that has settled on thighs reduces the likelihood of fat deposits travelling around the body, which could compromise the heart. Researchers are not sure exactly why leg fat carries benefits, but this latest study complements the growing understanding that all fat is not alike. In recent years, it has become clearer that "visceral fat," which wraps around organs and swells waistlines, poses the greatest health danger, while "peripheral fat" on arms and legs is more benign and, according to recent research, may even be helpful.

However, we are by no means telling you to go forth and gain lower body weight either! The key to a healthy body is still about maintaining a reasonable balance. Therefore, it's a good idea to ensure you have a healthy BMI (body mass index).

HOW TO CALCULATE YOUR BMI

Divide your weight in kilograms by your height in metres squared (that's your height multiplied by it). A healthy BMI is between 18.5 to 25.