Introduction:
Humans are born with a specific body type based on their body composition and the skeletal or bony framework. The three types of bodies are ectomorph, mesomorph, and endomorph. The hardness of losing excess body fat or getting back in shape depends on the individual’s body type.
What Is an Ectomorphic Body Type?
Ectomorphs have long and thin bodies with minimal body fat and muscle mass. Individuals with ectomorph body types have less width in the shoulder and hip regions when compared to their height. They will be tall with thin muscles and a high metabolic rate. Since gaining weight and mass depends on the rate of metabolism, ectomorphs find it difficult to gain weight. Fashion models and sports people usually fall under this category. Ectomorphism may be viewed as a favorable or unfavorable body type. Males prefer masculine body structure, which is almost impossible to achieve for an ectomorph male. On the other hand, the demand for a curvy body is higher in females, which will be tough to develop in an ectomorph female.
People with an ectomorphic body type may have facial features like a retracted chin and a high forehead. They may also have lean arms and thin legs. The width of the abdominal region will be less, and the chest will be narrow. Ectomorphic people may usually have a decreased power to perform athletic activities. The lower muscle mass may make them more susceptible to injuries.
What Is an Endomorph Body Type?
The body type of an endomorphic individual will be opposite to that of an ectomorph. They have increased body fat and muscle mass. They possess broad bone structures and wider abdominal and hip regions, have a lower metabolic rate, and gain weight faster. They gain more fat throughout the body and find it tough to lose extra pounds of weight and unfavorable fat. They may usually have underlying conditions like hormonal problems or diabetes, which, along with a sedentary lifestyle, worsen the metabolism, making the person overweight or obese.
An endomorph body type will be pear-shaped with wide shoulders and hips. They may usually have a circular face, round head, and short thighs and arms. Due to the increased fat deposit in the abdominal area, the person may have increased dimensions from front to back and side to side. Due to their high weight or fat percentage, it will be hard for such individuals to participate in sports activities demanding an increased speed.
What Is a Mesomorphic Body Type?
Mesomorphic body type possesses a well-built and athletic body. Such individuals have a systematic metabolism and a minimum amount of body fat. In addition, they have the required bone structure with a wedge-shaped body. Due to their effective metabolism, they possess a masculine structure with powerful arms and legs. Mesomorphic individuals usually have broad shoulders, narrow hips, and a cubical head. Mesomorphic individuals may perform well in sports tasks due to the maintenance of the required weight, muscle mass, and fat percentage. They find it simple to gain or lose weight.
What Is a Combination Body Type?
Apart from ectomorph, endomorph, or mesomorph, an individual can possess a combination of body types. This includes two types: ecto-endomorphs and endo-ectomorphs. The ecto-endomorph body type holds the features of ectomorph in the upper body and endomorph in the lower body. On the other hand, endo-ectomorphs have high-fat storage in the upper and middle body and thin lower body parts.
What Is the Importance of Identifying the Body Type?
Adequate knowledge about different body types helps an individual to determine their body type. Knowing the body type helps get an idea about the metabolic rate of the person. This will also help the physical trainer to design the required training pattern and dietary coaching. In addition, body types differ from person to person, depending on their needs. A fashion model may need to stay lean and thin without gaining extra fat or pounds of weight, whatever the body type is. On the other hand, a bodybuilder may be required to gain more muscle mass, irrespective of the body type.
What Are the Different Body Types Based on Shape?
Based on the shape of the body, it can be divided into the following body types:
-
Pear Shape: A pear-shaped body is characterized by wider hips compared to shoulders and bust. Most of the body weight will be carried by the buttocks, thighs, and hips.
-
Apple Shape: Excess abdominal fat and a wide waist make the body look more round, giving rise to an apple shape.
-
Hourglass Shape: This type of body possesses an equal measurement of the bust and the hips and a narrow waist. In such body types, the body fat will be evenly distributed.
-
Ruler Shape: It is also called a rectangular body shape. This body shape has minimal curves, with equal measurements on the bust, waist, and hip areas.
-
Inverted Triangle Shape: Such a body type looks like an inverted triangle with wide shoulders or bust area and narrow waist and hips.
What Is the Myth of Body Types?
Beliefs about an ideal body type vary from person to person. It is said that a mesomorph body type is ideal and healthy compared to an ectomorph and endomorph. It is also believed that an apple-shaped body will be unhealthy and less esthetic when compared to a pear-shaped body. Being overweight or obese or having excess body fat percentage can cause health issues. However, the body type of an individual can depend not only on their lifestyle but also on their genes and ethnicity. Therefore, it cannot be blindly told that specific body types are ideal. The views on body types may also shift based on current trends and celebrity influences. It will also depend on the person’s profession or needs. For example, a model or a nutrition or fitness influencer will always try to get an hourglass figure for their profession or their marketing or promotion purposes, respectively.
Conclusion
There are tons of myths circulating about the ideal body type and shape. But more than the body's characteristics, staying healthy is the prime factor to be considered. For that, adopting a healthy diet and workout routine, controlling the underlying medical conditions, and getting regular medical checkups are required.
