Firstly, media portrayal plays a major role in shaping the idea that slimness equals desirability. Numerous studies show that women depicted in movies, television, magazines and advertising are overwhelmingly thinner than the average woman. This skewed representation helps create the perception that being slim is synonymous with being elegant, socially accepted, and visually appealing.

Secondly, the link between slimness and attributes like agility, activity and health also feeds into attractiveness. Because media often associate slender bodies with youthful energy, athleticism and fewer physical limitations, it becomes easy to infer that a slim woman is more likely to share in active lifestyles and exert physical competency. At the same time, scientific research suggests that exposure to “thin-ideal” images increases body dissatisfaction among women, and shapes how bodies are perceived in terms of health and fitness.

Thirdly, you noted the association people sometimes make between slimness and fertility or pregnancy readiness. While there is less strong direct empirical support for this specific link than for the media portrayal element, the cultural narrative persists: slimness is seen as physically optimal for childbirth or motherhood in some circles, even if medically it’s much more complex.

Finally, it’s crucial to emphasize the important caveats: Beauty standards vary widely across cultures and time periods, and attraction is highly individual. Media-driven ideals of slimness can be narrow and unrealistic—and they don’t necessarily reflect what most people actually find attractive. Many men (and women) prefer a wide variety of body types, and personality, values, emotional connection, and shared life goals often matter far more in the long run.