Know Your Body Type

What most of us don’t realize is that people are born with an inherited body type based on skeletal frame and body composition. Most people are a unique combination of the three body types, with stronger traits to one of the three. Keep in mind that these are generalizations and that most of us have a characteristic of two or even all three body types.

The three body types are Ectomorph’s, Endomorphs and Mesomorphs. Remember, knowledge is power and knowing what your general body type is can help tremendously when It comes to managing health and weight.

Ectomorphs’ are long and lean with little body fat and little muscle. They have a hard time gaining weight! Fashion models and basketball players would fit this category. While most of us love to hate these genetically-blessed persons, some male Ectomorphs may not be happy with their skinny arms and sunken chests. There are likely a lot of female ectomorphs who long for more womanly curves.

Endomorphs, on the other hand have lots of body fat, lots of natural muscle and gain weight easily. Think of football lineman, they tend to be endomorphs. They are heavier, rounder and stronger individuals. They don’t necessarily have to be overweight, but endomorphs tend to be very carbohydrate sensitive.

Mesomorphs are athletic, solid and strong. They are not overweight, they are not underweight and generally they can eat what they want without worrying too much about consequences. They both gain and lose weight without much effort.

*Classic combinations include pear shaped ecto-endomorphs with thin, delicate upper bodies and high fat storage in the hips and thighs. This combination seems to affect females more than males. A common combination for males on the other hand is generally endo-ectomorphs with high fat storage in the mid-section (gut) and thin lower bodies.

Knowing YOUR body type and what your food sensitivities’ are can help with weight control and body shaping. As you read I am sure you easily identified YOUR body type! Watch for tips on how to work with it, in my next blog!