Scientists Reveal What Your Butt Shape May Really Say About Your Health

Scientists suggest that the shape of your buttocks may reveal more about your health than you might expect. Beyond aesthetics or fitness trends, researchers have found that the structure of the body’s largest muscle could provide important clues about physical fitness, aging, and even certain chronic diseases.

The muscle in question is the gluteus maximus, often referred to jokingly as the “other cheek.” It is the largest and one of the most powerful muscles in the human body, playing a crucial role in posture, balance, and movement. Located at the top of the legs where they connect to the pelvis, the gluteus maximus helps stabilize the pelvis and propel the body forward during walking, running, and climbing.

Given its size and function, it is perhaps unsurprising that the condition of this muscle reflects overall health. However, scientists say the key factor is not how large or toned the butt appears on the surface, but rather its shape and internal muscle composition. According to recent research, subtle differences in the structure of the gluteus maximus may be linked to physical fitness, sedentary behavior, and metabolic disease.

A new study has found that individuals with higher fitness levels tend to have a distinct gluteus maximus shape compared to those who are less active. Fitness was assessed using measures such as vigorous physical activity and hand grip strength, which is widely recognized as an indicator of overall muscle health. Researchers discovered that people who were more physically fit showed a thicker, more robust gluteus maximus, while aging, frailty, and prolonged sitting were associated with muscle thinning.

Study co-author Marjola Thanaj, a senior research fellow at the University of Westminster’s Research Centre for Optimal Health, explained that muscle shape can act as a window into broader health patterns. “People with higher fitness, as measured by vigorous physical activity and hand grip strength, had a greater gluteus maximus shape, while ageing, frailty, and long sitting times were linked to muscle thinning,” she said.

The findings were presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) in Chicago and were based on an analysis of approximately 61,000 MRI scans taken from a large UK health database. By using imaging rather than surface measurements, researchers were able to examine muscle quality in far greater detail than traditional fitness assessments allow.

Another striking finding was the relationship between gluteus maximus shape and Type 2 diabetes. The study revealed that muscle changes linked to the condition differed significantly between men and women. In men with Type 2 diabetes, the gluteal muscles tended to shrink, while in women the same condition was associated with muscle enlargement. This highlights how biological responses to disease can vary by sex, underscoring the importance of sex-specific approaches in medical diagnosis and treatment.

Thanaj noted that such differences are often overlooked in clinical practice, despite their importance. She emphasized that men and women can exhibit “very different biological responses to the same disease,” which may affect how conditions are detected and managed.

Fitness experts also stress the importance of maintaining strong gluteal muscles for long-term health. Tanya Becker, co-founder of the fitness brand Physique 57, told the New York Post that while full-body strength training is essential, the glutes deserve special attention due to their size and functional importance. Strong glutes can help protect the lower back, improve mobility, and reduce the risk of injury, particularly as people age.

Overall, researchers say the study adds to growing evidence that muscle health is closely tied to overall well-being. Rather than focusing solely on appearance, experts encourage regular movement, strength training, and reduced sedentary time to support muscle integrity—benefits that go far beyond how the body looks.

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Sources (Newly Added, Reputable)

• Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). Annual Scientific Meeting Presentations.

• University of Westminster – Research Centre for Optimal Health.

• National Institutes of Health (NIH). Muscle Health and Aging.

• British Journal of Sports Medicine. Muscle composition and metabolic disease.

• Cleveland Clinic. Gluteus Maximus: Function and Importance.

• New York Post – Interview with Tanya Becker, Physique 57.