In today’s urban jungle, six-pack abs are like a magical ticket to instant admiration. Women swoon, guys ditch their shirts, and gym memberships skyrocket. It’s almost as if the quest for abs has become a modern-day treasure hunt. But while the city folks are busy chasing rock-hard abs, let’s take a hilarious detour to southern Ethiopia, where the true treasure lies in a big, glorious belly.

Welcome to the Bodi tribe, where having a potbelly is the ultimate sign of attractiveness. Here, men compete for the honor of marrying the most beautiful woman by flaunting their large, jiggly bellies. Forget muscles; in this community, the bigger the belly, the better!

Every year, the Bodi tribe hosts the epic Ka’el competition. Imagine this: families proudly presenting their unmarried sons, each with a belly so big it makes Santa Claus look like he’s been dieting. These belly-baring warriors aren’t in it for a flashy trophy. Oh no, they’re after serious bragging rights and top-notch community status.

To prep for this belly battle, contestants go on a diet that would make any nutritionist faint. Fresh milk, butter, cow blood, and honey are on the menu. For six months, they avoid all forms of work and romance, focusing solely on packing on the pounds. Speaking of cow blood, the Bodi have a unique (and slightly gruesome) method of extracting it. They make a tiny cut in a cow’s vein with a spear, then seal it up with clay. The cow lives to see another day while helping the community bulk up.

On the big day, these belly champions coat themselves in clay and ashes, transforming into majestic, rotund beings. Judges then size up their bellies, looking for the biggest and hardest one. The competition is fierce, with categories like squatting belly, messy belly, sagging belly, balloon belly, and firm belly. The goal? A tight, round, balloon belly that’s full of charm.

Women flock to these competitions to find their perfect match. A man with a massive, rock-hard belly is the pinnacle of attractiveness. So, if you’re feeling underappreciated for your extra pounds, book a trip to southern Ethiopia. It’s belly heaven, where a big, glorious gut is your ticket to fame and romance.

So there you have it! While six-packs might be all the rage in some parts of the world, in the Bodi tribe, it’s all about embracing the jiggle. Who knew that the key to attractiveness could be found in a big bowl of butter and cow blood?