Everything You Should Know About the Butt

Let’s talk about the butt—something most people have a nickname for. Whether you call it your behind, booty, butt, bottom, backside, bum, glutes, tail, or even use the more clinical terms like buttocks, posterior, or gluteus maximus, there’s no shortage of names for this part of the body.

What Counts as a “Big Butt”?

What’s considered a “big” butt is totally subjective. But globally, some studies use 49 inches (about 122.5 cm) or more in circumference as a rough benchmark for what qualifies.

Your genetics and hormone levels—especially estrogen—play a major role in determining the natural size of your butt. Because women typically have higher estrogen levels than men, they usually carry more fat in the butt area.

Anatomy 101

The glutes—your butt muscles—are made up of three parts:

• Gluteus maximus (the largest and strongest muscle in your body)

• Gluteus medius

• Gluteus minimus

These muscles are covered by a layer of fat called gluteofemoral fat. The line between your cheeks is officially called the intergluteal cleft, though most people just call it the butt crack.

Why Some Butts Are Smaller

A flat or smaller butt can result from genetics, aging, low estrogen, lack of physical activity, or other health factors. But if you weren’t born with curves, don’t worry—certain exercises can help grow your glutes. Squats, lunges, uphill running, and other lower-body workouts, combined with good nutrition, can start showing results in about 6–8 weeks if done consistently.

Other Fun Facts

• Women usually have less body hair on their butts than men.

• The most common causes of butt pain are muscle strains and nerve compression.

• Butt shapes are typically classified as round, square, heart-shaped, or V-shaped.

• Sitting too long can weaken your glutes, tighten your hip flexors, and cause what’s called Dormant Butt Syndrome.

• Twerking, believe it or not, helps improve hip flexibility and strengthens your thighs.

• Sitting in one spot too long can also cause numbness in one or both cheeks.

• Boils or bumps on your butt are often caused by bacterial skin infections.

The Surprising Health Benefits of a Big Butt

Turns out, having a big butt isn’t just about looks—it can be good for your health too. Here’s why:

• A 2008 study found that women with bigger butts scored higher on academic tests. Researchers believe the fat stores support brain development in children.

• Strong glutes improve your posture, balance, mobility, and core stability—reducing your risk of falling.

• Strengthening your glutes can also help ease lower back pain.

• People with larger buttocks tend to live longer. Some Harvard researchers believe this may partly explain why women, on average, outlive men.

• Fat stored in the butt is considered “protective fat” and has been linked to lower risks of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

• Evolutionary experts say that curvier butts make the spine look more arched, which may increase physical attraction.

• Butt fat helps curb hunger by balancing hormones and slowing down digestion.

• During pregnancy, women with bigger butts often find it easier to move around, as the fat helps counterbalance the growing belly—potentially making labor easier.

• Oxford University found that women with larger backsides tend to have smarter kids.

• A big butt helps protect your hamstrings during intense workouts.

• And yes—it’s like having built-in cushioning. It helps when you’re sitting on hard surfaces or even when you take a fall.

And Finally…

To close things off, here’s a fun nod to Caribbean pride and heritage. These are the opening lyrics from Born With It, a hit by soca queen Allison Hinds—an anthem celebrating West Indian women and their natural curves:

My great great grandmother pass it down
My great grandmother pass it down
My mother get it from my granny
And mommy give it to me
‘Cause we was born with it, born with it
West Indian girls were born with it