Understanding your body type is crucial in achieving optimal health and wellness. Each body type reacts differently to food, exercise, and overall lifestyle factors, and what works for someone else may not work for you.

By understanding your unique body type, you can create a personalized wellness plan that caters to your specific needs. In this article, we will discuss the three main body types and how you can discover which one you have.

The Three Main Body Types

Before we dive into the tests, let us first discuss the three main body types: Ectomorph, Mesomorph, and Endomorph.

Ectomorph

Ectomorphs are characterized by a lean and slim body with minimal fat and muscle mass. These individuals have a fast metabolism, which makes it difficult for them to gain weight and build muscle.

Ectomorphs tend to have an elongated, narrow frame with long limbs and small joints. They have a hard time gaining weight, but they also have a hard time losing fat if they gain weight.

Mesomorph

Mesomorphs have a well-proportioned body with a muscular build. They have a higher percentage of muscle mass and a lower percentage of body fat. Mesomorphs have broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and a V-shaped torso.

They can gain muscle mass and lose fat with relative ease and efficiency.

Endomorph

Endomorphs have a rounder, softer body type with a higher percentage of body fat. They have a slower metabolism, making it easier for them to gain weight and difficult to lose fat.

Endomorphs typically have wider hips and a shorter, thicker frame, as well as larger bones and joints.

Discovering Your Body Type

There are two main scientific tests that can help you determine your body type: the anthropometric and somatotype tests.

Anthropometric Test

The anthropometric test involves measuring specific parts of your body to determine your body type. This test measures your height, weight, wrist, and ankle circumference, and your skinfold thickness.

The result of this test will determine your body mass index (BMI), which can further categorize you into an ectomorph, mesomorph, or endomorph. Here is a breakdown of the BMI ranges for each body type:.

Ectomorph: BMI of less than 18.5
Mesomorph: BMI of 18.5-24.9
Endomorph: BMI of more than 25

If you fall in-between two categories, you may be a combination of both body types. For example, if you have a BMI of 23, you may be a combination of an ectomorph and mesomorph.

Somatotype Test

The somatotype test involves taking measurements of your bones, muscles, and fat to determine your dominant body type. This test can be done by a licensed healthcare professional or trained fitness professional.

They will measure several body parts, including your shoulders, chest, waist, hips, and thighs, to determine your somatotype.

The somatotype test is more comprehensive than the anthropometric test and will provide more accurate results. Here is a breakdown of the somatotype classifications:.

Ectomorph: Dominant traits include thinner bones, muscles, and fat, with a longer and narrow frame.
Mesomorph: Dominant traits include moderate bone structure, muscularity, and low body fat with a proportionate figure.
Endomorph: Dominant traits include a larger frame, more body fat, and more rounded features.

By determining which body type you have, you can better understand how your body responds to certain lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise. Knowing this information can help you tailor your lifestyle plan to fit your body’s unique needs.

Conclusion

Discovering your body type is the first step in creating a personalized wellness plan.

Whether you are an ectomorph, mesomorph, or endomorph, understanding your body’s specific traits can help you customize your lifestyle factors to optimize your health and wellness. By taking the anthropometric or somatotype test, you can determine which category you fall into and take the necessary steps to create a personalized plan that works for you.