Natural selection may favour younger mothers and higher BMI in men

New study suggests evolution is still acting on contemporary humans, although over many generations and very weakly

As humans continue to evolve, natural selection appears to be favouring higher body mass index (BMI) in men and an earlier age for starting a family in women, research has revealed.

Researchers used data from the UK Biobank, a large genetic and health database of half a million British people aged 45 and over, to look at how numerous traits from body mass index to height and birth weight, as well as particular genetic variations associated with such traits, are linked to the number of children individuals had during their lifespan.