Among the Bodi Tribe in Ethiopia, males with the greatest abdominal girth are considered the most attractive.

   The larger the abdominal volume, the more desirable they become. Nevertheless, the preparation for the competition to select the fattest individual involves rather gruesome practices. For 3-6 months, they ingest fresh cow blood and milk in an attempt to rapidly gain weight and be crowned the fattest man. 

   The winner of the contest is measured during the Kael ceremony and receives great acclaim from the tribe. Women and girls deliver milk to them every morning to support their pursuit of a bigger belly. 

  The winner's sole reward is fame and the admiration of their fellow tribesmen. The women attend to the fat men, offering them alcohol, wiping away sweat, and singing to keep them awake.