A study conducted by the University of Oxford revealed that women with a disproportionately large derriere show a better resistance to chronic illness.

Scientists analysed 16,000 women’s bums and it was found that women with bigger backsides tend to have lower levels of cholesterol and are more likely to produce hormones to metabolize sugar.

Lead researcher Konstantinos Manolopoulos said: “The idea that body fat distribution is important to health has been known for some time.

“However, it is only very recently that thigh fat and a large hip circumference have been shown to promote health; that lower body fat is protective by itself.

“The study analysed data from 16,000 women and it indicated those with larger bums usually had lower levels of glucose and cholesterol, while keeping hold of higher levels of Omega-3 fats- which are super good for you.”