Is Staring At Women’s Breasts Good For Men’s Health?

This has been making the rounds on social media again — that infamous “German study” claiming staring at women’s breasts for ten minutes a day is better for your health than going to the gym.

According to the so-called researcher, Dr. Karen Weatherby, ten minutes of “focused admiration” supposedly offered the same benefits as a 30-minute aerobic workout. The story claimed men who participated in the five-year study ended up with lower blood pressure, slower heart rates, and healthier hearts. Basically, a prescription to ogle your way to better health.

But here’s where things deflate: no one’s ever found Dr. Weatherby, her research, or the journal it supposedly appeared in. The story’s been debunked as a decades-old internet hoax, but it’s one that refuses to die, probably because it’s the kind of “science” a lot of people want to believe.

Still, there’s a wink of truth hiding in the punchline. Relationship experts agree that playful admiration, laughter, and affection can reduce stress and bring couples closer together. A little mutual appreciation goes a long way toward keeping love and heart rates in good shape. One psychologist told Bild Zeitung that “mutual admiration strengthens intimacy and reduces stress.” Translation: if you’re admiring your partner’s assets respectfully, it might not lower your cholesterol, but it could raise your relationship satisfaction.

So no, you can’t skip the treadmill for a ten-minute gaze marathon, but if you’re admiring your partner respectfully? That’s perfectly healthy. After all, glancing a respectful look isn’t unhealthy! It might even be good for the heart, especially when followed by a smile, a laugh, and maybe a date night.

Doug O’Brien