Working out to look like Kangana? But it's healthier if you have a body like Shilpa

Marilyn Monroe's classic hour-glass figure may be going out of style, but a curvy body could be your ticket to a healthy body. Besides, most men still dig the curves, as iTALK found out

Latino single Beyonce may be one of the hottest women in the world, but chances are not many working women have a curvy body like her.

According to Elizabeth Cashdan, an anthropology professor at the University of Utah, working women release more hormones that help them become physically stronger, so they can deal with the stress of high-powered jobs. As a result, they end up developing lean, boxy figures like supermodel Kate Moss and pop singer Madonna, with fewer curves, a smaller bust and no hips.

Researchers have found that women with a waist-to-hip ratio of 0.7,u00a0 where the waist circumference is 70% of the hips, or lower, have higher fertility rates and less chance of chronic disease. Simply put: the curvier you are, the healthier you'll be.

Here's why you should stop obsessing about a extra-slim figure.

Squat, hula hoop for a perfect body

Deanne Panday Fitness Expert
Indian women want to go from fat to slim, irrespective of their body type. You also have to take age into consideration; you can't be a hottie all your life. The smaller-waist syndrome is making women develop straight stick figures.

For a perfect waist, try the hula hoop: Make sure you use a hula hoop that suits your frame. Hold the hoop against your back. Then push the hoop around your waist and shift your weight back and forth on your feet to keep the hoop going. Be patient. You might take a while to get the hang of it.

For a sexy lower back and perky bum, you need to squat: Bend your legs at the knees and hips, lowering the torso between the legs, then reverse the direction to stand up straight again. Lean your torso forward to maintain balance. Do not round out your back, or you can cause yourself serious injury.

Skinny women have trouble conceiving

Dr Aniruddha Malpani Infertility Expert
A woman requires optimal body weight to conceive. If she's flat and thin, it might pose a problem. Your body fat creates curves, and you need to nourish your body to maintain them. Low fat content in the body leads to switching off the Pituitary gland that is responsible for the reproduction process. This leads to difficulty in ovulation of eggs.

Many athletes, marathon runners and women who exercise a lot have straight bodies, that can cause fertility issues. On the other hand, women with excess body fat could suffer from Polycystic Ovarian Disease, that disrupts production of eggs.

HOT TIP: Say no to crash diets and weight loss programmes. Opt for a steady exercise schedule, follow a nourishing diet.

Household chores can give you curves

Dr Shashank Shah Obesity Expert, Hiranandani Hospital
I have more than 10 female clients approaching me every day, with the intent to lose weight within a particular period of time. Some are even ready to go on crash diets to fit into a figure-hugging dress. But after a certain age, it gets harder to maintain a smaller waist. Instead of going to the gym, indulge in day-to-day activities like climbing stairs and performing household chores. It helps you develop and maintain a curvy figure.

And it's proven again: We love curvy women, say guys

Milind Soman Actor and model
Curvy women look great, but that doesn't mean you ignore women with straight figures. Indian women were and will always be sexy.

Vikas Bhalla Model
Women with wholesome bodies are more feminine and sexier. I don't find the slim sorts attractive.

Pavan Shah, Manager with boutique
Curvy women look hot in well-fitting dresses, since they are able to carry it off better than a women with stick figures.

Aniruddha Guha Journalist with newspaper
Indian men will always be attracted to fuller, voluptuous women. Curves add a beauty to the body of a woman, like in a work of art.