Bodies come in different shapes and sizes, influenced by a person’s frame and composition. This is part of what makes every human unique.
Some bodies are curvier, some have broad shoulders, and some have more musculature.
People usually have a defined body type after puberty, but this can change based on activity level, dietary habits, and other major lifestyle and hormonal changes.
This article focuses on common body shapes, common body types, what determines body shape, and ways a person can improve their body image.
A note about sex and gender
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.
A person’s body type depends on the distribution of muscle mass and fat. Some people are long and lean, while others are curvier.
Likewise, some people find it challenging to gain weight, whereas others have difficulty losing weight.
A note about sex and gender
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.
In the 1940s, psychologist William H. Sheldon introduced the concept of different body types, or somatotypes.
While many people tend to think that this type of classification only refers to males, it can also describe the female body. This classifies the body based on how lean a person is or how easy it is for their body to store fat.
Per this classification, there are three different body types:
- Ectomorph: This is when the body is lean and slender and tends to have less body fat and muscle. People with this body type can often find it challenging to gain weight in the form of muscle or fat. Fashion models are an example of this body type.
- Endomorph: This is when the body has more stored fat, lots of muscle, and gains weight easily. People with this body type are not always overweight. Football lineman and Marilyn Monroe are examples of this body type.
- Mesomorph: This is when the body is athletic and strong. People with this body type are neither overweight nor underweight. Swimmers and volleyball players are examples of this body type.
Females tend to have more fat mass. They also tend to be curvier due to a combination of larger breasts, wider hips, larger buttocks, and bigger thighs.
While every body is unique, there are several broad categories for the female body shape. An older 2004 article notes that this historically stems from the fashion industry.
Common shapes include:
- Pear or triangle: People with this body shape have narrower shoulders than their hips. A person tends to distribute most of their weight in the buttocks, lower hips, and thighs.
- Inverted triangle: This is when the lower half of the body is smaller than the top, with shoulders wider than the hips. People with this body shape tend to gain weight in the upper body and stomach areas. They also tend to have larger chests and narrow hips.
- Rectangle: This is when there is no major definition at the waistline and hips. People with this body shape have similar hip and shoulder width, and the body tends to be in equal proportions.
- Hourglass: This is when both the top and bottom halves of the body are equally broad. People with this body shape tend to have a smaller waist than the chest and hips.
- Oval or apple: This is when the top and bottom halves of the body are narrow. People with this body shape tend to carry weight in the chest and stomach areas and have slender legs.
- genetics
- sex
- age
- diet
- activity level
Changes in activity level and diet may affect a person’s body shape. For example, if someone is an ectomorph and wants to gain some weight, while they will have to put in some extra effort, they can do it successfully with a proper diet and exercise routine.
While some people may find it helpful to identify their body shape, others may find little benefit. The appearance of a person’s body can change with exercise and diet. Additionally, a person’s body type may not be an indicator of their overall health.
Exercise
A person who seems to have an ectomorph body type may believe that they will not experience as many benefits from working out as a type that may find it easier to gain muscle, such as endomorphs.
However, people with all body types will notice improvements in strength, flexibility, and weight if they follow an exercise routine to reach their goals.
Metabolic obesity
Some people may assume that certain body types are less likely to develop conditions due to overweight or obesity. However, this is not necessarily true.
Low amounts of physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and not following a healthy, balanced diet are all risk factors of having metabolic obesity. While some genetic factors also exist, experts have not investigated this link fully.
People should not assume that they are at a lower risk of developing conditions associated with obesity due to their particular body shape.
Disordered eating
A person who displays characteristics of one body shape but wants to look like another may develop poor body image issues or body dysmorphia. In some cases, a person may develop disordered eating patterns.
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The researchers suggest that people who see a “thin ideal” on social media may be at a higher risk of developing disordered eating patterns in an effort to achieve this ideal.
Eating disorders can severely affect the quality of life of people living with these conditions and those close to them. Early intervention and treatment greatly improve the likelihood of recovery.
Anyone who suspects that they or a loved one has an eating disorder can contact the National Eating Disorders Association for advice and support via:
- phone or text at 800-931-2237
- online chat, by going to this link
These services are only open during specific hours. Someone in crisis can text “NEDA” to 741741 at any time to get support from a trained volunteer at the Crisis Text Line.
Alternatively, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) runs a Disaster Distress Helpline that people can contact on 800-985-5990 for 24-7 support.
Many other resources are available, including:
- National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders
- National Alliance for Eating Disorders
- F.E.A.S.T., which provides support and educational resources to friends and family who want to help someone living with an eating disorder
Sometimes, people do not feel comfortable with their body shape.
For example, a very curvy person may wish for a more rectangular-shaped body, while someone with a rectangular-shaped body may want to have more curves.
It is common for some people to feel pressure around the concept of the “ideal body” shape or type, but ultimately there is no ideal body shape — health is the most important factor.
The National Eating Disorders Association outlines some thought patterns a person can consider for a more positive body image:
- Appreciate what the body can do.
- Remember that beauty is not skin deep.
- Be around positive people.
- Shut down negative self-talk.
- Wear comfortable clothing that inspires confidence.
- Be critical of social media images.
It is important for people to consider that all bodies are beautiful and unique but are only a part of what defines a person. How individuals treat others and behave are also important aspects.
If a person suffers from poor body image issues or body dysmorphia, they should seek support from a medical professional.
All bodies are special and unique. One aspect of what makes them unique is their shape and how they carry weight and muscle.
There are many different body shapes and many different body types. Sometimes, people do not feel comfortable with their body shape. If a person has concerns about their body, they should consult a doctor.
FAQs
What are the 4 different body types? ›
To get a precise assessment of whether you're an ectomorph, mesomorph, endomorph, or a combination type, you could go to a lab and have your body fat, bone, and muscle mass measured.
What are the 3 body types of a person explain each? ›According to Sheldon, endomorphs have bodies that are always rounded and soft, mesomorphs are always square and muscular, and ectomorphs are always thin and fine-boned.
What are the different body types quizlet? ›Ectomorph, Mesomorph and Endomorph body types: Flashcards | Quizlet.
Whats the most common body types? ›Rectangle Body Type
This body type is the most common and is typically considered the healthiest. Rectangle-shaped people are less likely to develop obesity, heart disease, or diabetes. A rectangle body shape is typically thin and has a proportional waist, hips, and shoulders.
The five main body type shapes are rectangle, inverted triangle, hourglass, pear and apple.
How can I identify my body type? ›Body shape is based on the relationship between three points on your body: your shoulders/bust, waist and hips. Draw an imaginary line down from your shoulders to your hips and make a mental note of where the line hits. It can be helpful to snap a quick mirror pic for reference if you're having a hard time visualizing.
What is the best body type? ›Mesomorph: This body type is generally considered the ideal body type. Individuals usually look lighter and have a more rectangular bone structure, longer limbs, thinner bones and a flatter ribcage. A mesomorph has a natural tendency to stay fit and achieve muscle mass very easily.
How do you describe body shape? ›Some alternative words are slim, slender, skinny, lean, wiry, petite, and lanky. In general, thin, slim, and slender are more positive, whereas skinny is often used as a criticism or negative point. The words lean and wiry mean that the person is thin AND muscular.
What is body type personality? ›Sheldon assigned personality traits to each body type. For example, endomorphs were considered to be extroverted, cheerful, relaxed, and lazy; mesomorphs were described as extroverted, active, and competitive; and ectomorphs were described as introverted, intelligent, quiet, and restrained.
How many body types are there for female? ›The five principal body classification shapes are rectangle, inverted triangle, hourglass, pear, and apple.
Why are there different body types? ›
There are so many factors that can determine our body type: genetics, lifestyle, sex and age. Some people can eat fried foods and junk every day but never gain weight. Some people tend to accumulate weight around the hip, others on the belly.
How are all bodies different? ›We all have different genetics. If everyone ate the same thing and did the same amount of physical activity, we would not all look the same. Your genetics influence your facial features, body shape, height, and weight. There is no ideal body weight.
What body type do girls like? ›Summary. Women tend to prefer men with fit, athletic bodies. These ideal male bodies are significantly leaner and stronger than average, but not as lean and strong as most men wish to be, and certainly not as muscular as most bodybuilders. Think of the bodies of soccer players, rugby players, and mixed martial artists.
What is the most popular female body type? ›The stereotypically attractive female body shape is an hourglass figure, which includes wide hips, a narrow waist, and broad shoulders.
What is the standard body type? ›A standard body type means that you have average levels of both body fat and muscle mass. People with a standard body type can progress a lot when they start working out.
What body type are most models? ›Ectomorphs are long and lean, with little body fat, and little muscle. They have a hard time gaining weight. Fashion models and basketball players fit this category.
What are the 12 body types? ›| Yin | Yang |
|---|---|
| Petite or short | Tall, vertical |
| curvy or round | angular, lean, straight |
| full lips | thin lips, straight lips |
| round face | angular face |
Bottom hourglass shape: Has the general hourglass shape, but the bust is visibly smaller than the hips. Hourglass measurements: E.g. 36-24-36, 38-28-38, 34-25-35.
What body type is strongest? ›A mesomorph has a large bone structure, large muscles and a naturally athletic physique. Mesomorphs are the best body type for bodybuilding. They find it quite easy to gain and lose weight. They are naturally strong which is the perfect platform for building muscle.
Which body type has most fat? ›Endomorph You tend to have more body fat than the other body types in this framework. Catudal says that women who are endomorphs may be described as curvaceous, while men may be called stocky. You tend to carry weight in your belly, hips, and thighs.
What are the two main body types? ›
Ectomorphs are long and lean. Endomorphs are rounded, with lots of muscle and body fat, a stockier structure, and a slower metabolism. (Think of football linemen.) Mesomorphs are athletic and muscular, capable of gaining weight or losing weight easily thanks to their efficient metabolisms.
What is a curvy body type? ›A curvy body type is the one in which the woman's hips and breasts are well-defined. It's also called a full-figure. Lots of celebrities like Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, Ashley Graham, Kim Kardashian, etc. have a curvy body type. Even Marilyn Monroe was curvylicious.
What are 10 describing words? ›- The boy is tall.
- She is very smart.
- Our car is red in colour.
- He is an American citizen.
- It is a luxurious hotel.
- He is an intelligent boy.
- The dish was very spicy.
- She wore a beautiful dress.
- attractive.
- a person who is good looking (male or female).
- youthful (looks)
- A person who looks young, or much younger than their actual age.
- bald.
- a person who has no hair. ...
- beautiful.
the body type promoted within a culture and its media as most attractive or most appropriate to a person's age, gender, and race.
How would you describe a lean body? ›Lean describes someone who is slim and strong: Long-distance runners are usually fairly lean. Petite, which is positive in tone, means 'short and slim' and is only used for women and girls. Slight, meanwhile, which is neither positive nor negative, means 'thin and delicate'.
How to describe a chubby girl? ›- chunky.
- flabby.
- plump.
- portly.
- pudgy.
- stout.
- ample.
- bearish.
Hourglass, bottom hourglass, top hourglass, spoon, rectangle, diamond, oval, triangle, and inverted triangle… there are nine official female body shape classifications.
What are the 7 major body parts? ›- The brain. The brain is the control centre of the nervous system and is located within the skull. ...
- The lungs. The lungs are two sponge-like, cone-shaped structures that fill most of the chest cavity. ...
- The liver. ...
- The bladder. ...
- The kidneys. ...
- The heart. ...
- The stomach. ...
- The intestines.
The nine major organ systems in the human body are the integumentary system, the musculoskeletal system, the respiratory system, the circulatory system, the digestive system, the excretory system, the nervous system, the endocrine system, and the reproductive system.
Can you change your body type? ›
You can't change the body type you were born with, but you can boost your body for the better with the right set of exercises.
How can I know my body type? ›To determine your body shape, start by looking at your midsection and determining if it is the largest part of your body. If it is, and you have slimmer legs and hips, you have an apple shape. Alternatively, if your midsection and bust are smaller and your hips are wide, you are likely pear-shaped.
What are Endomorphs and Mesomorphs? ›Endomorphs are rounded, with lots of muscle and body fat, a stockier structure, and a slower metabolism. (Think of football linemen.) Mesomorphs are athletic and muscular, capable of gaining weight or losing weight easily thanks to their efficient metabolisms.
Can Endomorphs be skinny? ›I received A LOT of questions asking me whether it is possible to achieve a lean body and slim down your legs as an endomorph female. The short answer is- yes, definitely! But, in order to do so, you need to exercise and eat right for your own body type.
What body types are endomorphs? ›Endomorphs have softer bodies with curves. They have a wide waist and hips and large bones, though they may or may not be overweight. Their weight is often in their hips, thighs, and lower abdomen. Endomorphs often have lots of body fat and muscle and tend to gain weight easily.
What is an ectomorph body? ›Ectomorphs are long and lean, with little body fat, and little muscle. They have a hard time gaining weight. Fashion models and basketball players fit this category.
Are Ectomorphs weak? ›The weakness for the ectomorph is a lack of strength. They can have lighter bones that aren't as strong, as well as less muscle that makes them less able to complete tasks that require strength or heavy lifting.
Are Endomorphs always fat? ›Endomorphs are said to have a higher percentage of body fat and less muscle mass. They're often heavier and rounder but do not necessarily have obesity. Because of their physical makeup, people with endomorphic bodies are more sensitive to calorie consumption than people with other body types.
What is a mesomorph female body type? ›Mesomorphs are typically strong and solid, not overweight or underweight. Their bodies may be described as rectangular in shape with an upright posture. Other characteristics include: square-shaped head. muscular chest and shoulders.
What is mesomorph? ›mesomorph, a human somatotype (physical type) that is marked by greater than average muscular development, as determined by the since-discredited physique-classification system developed in the 1940s by American psychologist W.H. Sheldon.
Is Mesomorph the best body type? ›
The mesomorph body type is often seen as the “ideal” body type because they have a more ideal muscle-to-fat ratio, can develop muscles easily, are typically not overweight or underweight, and have a natural tendency to stay fit.
Can you have two body types? ›Few people fall distinctly into one category, therefore it is likely you will be a blend of two body types. This is for those of you who feel you have characteristic of both a Mesomorph and an Endomorph. Quite often a Meso-Endomorph looks athletic and slightly chunky.
Am I an endomorph or a fat mesomorph? ›Endomorphs generally carry more body fat, while mesomorphs are generally leaner and more naturally fit by comparison. An endomorph's body tends to be slightly chubby and softer, whereas that of a mesomorph is more muscular and harder. Also, an endomorph body tends to adopt a pear-like or round shape.