The study, titled Gluteofemoral body fat as a determinant of metabolic health, by Dr Konstantinos Manolopoulos of the Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism at the University of Oxford, examined 16,000 women.

It was published in the International Journal of Obesity in 2010.

The results indicated that women with larger buttocks may be resistant to chronic illnesses during their lifetime.

“Body fat distribution is an important metabolic and cardiovascular risk factor, because the proportion of abdominal to gluteofemoral body fat correlates with obesity-associated diseases and mortality,” it said.

“Population studies show that an increased gluteofemoral fat mass (relating to the buttocks and thighs) is independently associated with a protective lipid and glucose profile, as well as a decrease in cardiovascular and metabolic risk

“Loss of gluteofemoral fat, as observed in Cushing’s syndrome and lipodystrophy is associated with an increased metabolic and cardiovascular risk. This underlines gluteofemoral fat’s role as a determinant of health by the long-term entrapment of excess fatty acids, thus protecting from the adverse effects associated with ectopic fat deposition.”

A larger hip circumference was shown to be associated with a lower prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes mellitus and dyslipidaemia.

Dr Alfred Dawes, general, laparoscopic and bariatric surgeon, told

All Woman that despite the results of the study, it is not an excuse to practise unhealthy habits.

“There have been various articles saying in one way or another that women with big bottoms are smarter, have smarter kids, and are healthier; however, the truth is much less appealing,” he said.

He said no studies have compared women with large rear ends with less well endowed females, which could simply mean that when you are fat, you are a healthier fat if you store fat below the waist.

“This we already know, because other studies have shown that a high waist-hip ratio puts you at risk for heart disease and diabetes.”

He said there is no proof that going out there and overeating to gain a bigger butt will make you smarter and healthier.

“If you really desire some more posterior I recommend squats that will build the gluteus and give you more shape. Sorry for pouring cold water on your plans.”