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Body shape has effects on body posture [29] and gait, and has a major role in physical attraction. This is because a body's shape implies an individual's hormone levels during puberty, which implies fertility, and it also indicates current levels of sex hormones. [1] A pleasing shape also implies good health and fitness of the body. Posture ...
- Overview
- Every body is beautiful
- So what are these different body types?
- What’s with the fruit metaphors?
- How to take your measurements
- What factors affect your body shape?
- Can your shape change over time?
- What if you want to change your shape?
- The bottom line
There’s no such thing as an “ideal” body shape, regardless of what some may try to tell you.
Bodies come in all different shapes and sizes. That’s part of what makes each of us unique.
It’s important to know that there isn’t an “average” or “typical” body.
Some of us are curvier, some of us have narrower hips or broader shoulders — we’re all a little bit different.
Still, most of us can categorize our shape into a few broad categories.
For example, a 2004 study reported that descriptions of female bodies have historically been described in categories based on shapes, such as triangle, rectangle, diamond, oval, and hourglass.
Some of the most common general categories include:
Rectangle, straight, or “banana”
If your waist measurements are about the same as your hip or bust, and your shoulders and hips are about the same width, you have what’s called a “banana” or rectangle body type. Stylists will probably point you toward off-the-shoulder tops, tube dresses, and belted waists.
Triangle or “pear”
With this shape, your shoulders and bust are narrower than your hips. You probably have slim arms and a fairly defined waist. Your waist most likely slopes out to your hips. Stylists often recommend clothing that shows off the waistline.
Spoon
The spoon body type is pretty similar to the triangle or “pear” shape. Your hips are larger than your bust or the rest of your body and may have a “shelf”-like appearance. You likely have a defined waist. You may also carry some weight in your upper arms and upper thighs. You may be told to look for dresses that have classic “baby doll” cuts or other items with an empire waist.
Using fruit to describe body types has long been seen by some as a visual shorthand; a way to describe the shape in a less technical or scientific way.
For example, “pear shape” is a lot easier to imagine than “gynoid,” though both mean the same thing.
That said, a lot of people aren’t fans of these fruit-based metaphors.
Many feel that using these terms contributes to objectification by turning one’s body into an object for others to evaluate.
This may help perpetuate the false idea that there’s an “ideal” or “most desirable” body type.
In a study on objectification theory, researchers Barbara Fredrickson and Tomi-Ann Roberts write:
Maybe you immediately recognized your body type in this list of categories, maybe you didn’t.
If you want a little help, you can always take your measurements and use those figures to help guide you.
Your measurements can also be helpful for general clothes shopping, regardless of the “type” they might fall into.
Here’s how to accurately take your measurements:
Some elements of your body type are determined by your bone structure.
For example, some people have a curvier, rounder buttocks and curvature in their spine.
Others may have wider hips, shorter legs, or longer torsos.
How tall or short you are will also affect the overall shape of your body.
By the time you reach adulthood, your bone structure and proportions are largely established — even if your measurements change as you gain or lose weight.
Genetics also play a role. Your genes determine how your body accumulates and stores fat.
Aging is one of the main factors affecting your shape and size over time.
Older adults tend to have higher levels of body fat overall. Two contributing factors include a slowing metabolism and gradual loss of muscle tissue.
Aging can also affect mobility, resulting in a more sedentary lifestyle. This could lead to weight gain.
Aging can even affect your height. Many people find that they gradually become shorter after age 30. This can affect how your body looks overall.
According to a 2016 review, menopause may also change your body shape and fat distribution by redistributing more weight to your abdomen.
In other words, this hormonal transition may cause you to change from a “pear” to more of an “apple” shape.
If you want to change certain things about yourself — for you and because you want to — exercise could make a difference.
Regular exercise can help build lean muscle mass and give your body definition.
This may help you emphasize certain features or alter your overall shape.
For example, you might be able to give your arms more muscle definition with regular training.
However, it’s important to remember that a lot of what determines your shape is set in stone by your bone structure, genetics, and overall build.
Much like you can’t exercise your way into being taller, you can’t tell your body where to store fat.
Whatever body shape you have, just remember: You are beautiful.
There’s no such thing as an “ideal” body shape, regardless of what some may try to tell you.
The most important thing is that you’re happy and healthy.
If you have any concerns about your body — including how it feels or the way it moves — talk to a doctor or other healthcare provider.
They can answer any questions you may have and advise you on any next steps.
Simone M. Scully is a writer who loves writing about all things health and science. Find Simone on her website, Facebook, and Twitter.
- Simone Marie
Dec 14, 2020 · These statistics deal with people’s perceptions of what the “ideal” body is. This doesn’t mean there is an ideal body, but instead reflect people’s opinions on what’s “best” in terms of appearance. Who Believes There’s an “Ideal Body?” 65% of those under 18 and 45% of adults believe in an “ideal body”.
Mar 24, 2020 · Body shape and composition are heterogeneous among humans with possible impact for health. ... 24 March 2020; The aging human body shape. Alexander ... There is growing evidence that body shape ...
- Alexander Frenzel, Hans Binder, Nadja Walter, Kerstin Wirkner, Markus Loeffler, Henry Loeffler-Wirth
- 2020
Mar 1, 2021 · Recently, Lazuka et al. (2020), in an analysis of body positivity posts on Instagram, found that even within the body positivity movement there was an underrepresentation of larger bodies, at only 43 %. With the results of this study suggesting that body ideals are malleable and dependent on the types of bodies one is exposed to, ensuring a balanced exposure to diverse body types both in print ...
- Ellie Aniulis, Gemma Sharp, Nicole A. Thomas
- 2021
Nov 13, 2023 · Perceptions surrounding beauty and body types not only vary by culture, but have evolved significantly throughout history. In a visually dynamic attempt to recreate this evolution, BuzzFeed Video showcased a diverse cast of models to depict more than 3,000 years of women’s ideal body types by each society’s standard of beauty.
People also ask
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May 31, 2022 · 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 ...
