Humans have various body shapes that can be influenced by genetics, gender, hormones, and various other factors. Some people find it difficult to increase their weight, while others find it difficult to lose weight. What are the different body types of humans? Check out the following review.
The Human Body Type
Bodies come in different shapes and sizes, influenced by the skeleton and the distribution of muscle mass and fat. This is part of what makes every human being unique. Some people have curvy, long, and thin bodies, while others have broad shoulders and are more muscular. People usually have a certain body type after puberty, but this can change depending on activity levels, diet, lifestyle, and hormonal changes.
One of the most popular body type categorizations is the ectomorph, endomorph, and mesomorph types, based on how easy it is for their bodies to store fat. This classification was popularized by psychologist William H. Sheldon in 1940. Many assume that this body type only applies to men, but this body type classification can also apply to women.
Ectomorph
Ectomorphs are slim, trim body types and tend to have less fat and muscle on the body. They also tend to have a slim waist, a small pelvis and shoulders, and long arms and legs. People with this body type tend to have a fast metabolism, so they often find it difficult to gain weight in the form of muscle or fat.
Ectomorphs need a lot of calories to gain weight. You can choose foods high in carbohydrates and calories, with 25% of the calories coming from protein, if you want to build muscle. The recommended physical exercises for ectomorphs are intense, short workouts that focus on large muscle groups.
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Endomorph
The endomorph body type is one with a medium to large bone structure, which has more fat stores, lots of muscle, and can gain weight easily. While losing weight can be a challenge, with the right diet and physical exercise, people with this body type can still lose weight.
In women, endomorphs are considered full-bodied or plump, while in men, they are considered stocky or round. Endomorphs usually have narrow shoulders and wider hips, shorter arms and legs, and store excess fat in the lower abdomen, hips, and thighs.
If you want to lose weight, reduce carbohydrates to 30% of your total daily calories. The recommended exercise for this body type is cardio to minimize fat accumulation and increase the body's metabolic rate. A combination of regular exercise and a healthy diet can help you lose weight.
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Mesomorphs
Mesomorph body types are athletic and strong. They usually have a medium-sized body frame, broader shoulders and a narrow waist, strong arms and legs, and a small amount of body fat. Genetically predisposed to building muscle, mesomorphs often require a slightly higher calorie intake and more protein to maintain muscle.
People with this body type are neither overweight nor underweight and are able to lose or gain weight easily. It is common for swimmers and volleyball players to have a mesomorph body type. For those of you who have this body shape, for exercise choices, you can alternate between weightlifting and cardio exercises.
Knowing your body type can help you determine the right type of exercise and diet to achieve your ideal weight and posture. If you have any questions about nutrition and body type, please consult a doctor or nutritionist.
If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.
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- dr. Yuliana Inosensia
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Kumar, K. What's Your Body Type: Ectomorph, Endomorph or Mesomorph?. Available from: https://www.medicinenet.com/body_type_ectomorph_endomorph_or_mesomorph/article.htm
M&S Writers. (2021). Your Body Type - Ectomorph, Endomorph or Mesomorph. Available from: https://www.muscleandstrength.com/articles/body-types-ectomorph-mesomorph-endomorph.html