Offspring Sex Ratio in Women with Android Body Fat Distribution

Document Type

Article

Authors

Devendra Singh, University of Texas, Austin
Robert J. Zambarano, University of Texas, Austin

Abstract

The relationship between waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), several behavioral factors, and the number of male and female offspring was examined in a sample of 69 women. Two questions were examined: (1) Are hormonal differences, as indicated by differences in the WHR, as- sociated with offspring sex ratio? and (2) are there any behavioral factors, such as coital frequency or orgasm, that are associated with offspring sex ratio? After statistically controlling for subject's age, socioeconomic status, and total number of offspring, we found that women with a higher WHR tended to have more sons than daughters. In addition, women who reported greater ease of having multiple orgasms also tended to have more sons than daughters. The results thus support both a hormonal and a behavioral influence on offspring sex ratio.

Recommended Citation

Singh, Devendra and Zambarano, Robert J. (1997) "Offspring Sex Ratio in Women with Android Body Fat Distribution," Human Biology: Vol. 69: Iss. 4, Article 8.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/humbiol/vol69/iss4/8