Body Types

When you are trying to determine your ideal body weight many professionals recommend that you also take into consideration your frame size, whether it is small, medium or large. After you determine your ideal body weight you can also determine what body type you are in order to incorporate both factors into any weight loss program or exercise program. While we can control how much we weigh we can not control where that weight is distributed on our body.

That distribution of weight is what determines your particular body type. Traditionally, there have been three different body types, the ectomorph, the mesomorph and the endomorph. Some professionals also will consider that individuals have a combination of body types. More recently weight loss professionals from different programs have identified up to 24 different body types in an effort to personalize and individualize both weight loss and exercise programs.

The three traditional body types describe individuals who are thin, medium weight and large. However, these are very generic descriptives and do not do justice to the otherwise complex definition of the ectomorph, mesomorph and endomorph.

Basically, the ectomorph has a frail and delicate body frame with a basic lack of muscle development. These individuals are not naturally powerful and have to work very hard in order to put on any muscle mass. The mesomorph is more athletic and gains muscle easily. Their body torso tapers to a relatively narrow waist with a well-defined facial features and developed arms and legs. The body of the endomorph is rounds and soft that has mass concentrated in the abdominal area. This particular trade gives the appearance of being stout. The hands and feet are comparatively small and the body has a high waist.

Fortunately, most people are not easily classified as one of the three body types but are in fact a combination. This discernment of a combination of the three traditional body types has led other weight loss professionals to identify up to 24 different body types in order to help individuals prepare a personalized exercise and weight loss program.

For instance, Dr. Caroline Mein has determines up to 25 different body type systems in order to personalize her weight loss program for both men and women. Jillian Michaels, trainer on The Biggest Loser television show has identified four different body types which have unique hormonal and metabolic characteristics. She identifies body types: android, gynaeoid, thyroid and lymphatic. Each of these different body types will more easily remain thin, gain weight or put on lean muscle mass.

Remember that we cannot change our body type, no matter what it is or what we call it. Some of us are genetically prone to gaining more fat more easily while others seem to be able to look like Mr. Universe without steroids or any other nutritional supplement. Our body type characteristics are things that we are born with and will determine our inate inability to gain weight, lose weight or put on muscle mass.