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  1. en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Body_shapeBody shape - Wikipedia

    Human body shape is a complex phenomenon with sophisticated detail and function. The general shape or figure of a person is defined mainly by the molding of skeletal structures, as well as the distribution of muscles and fat. [1]

    • 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
  2. Aug 23, 2018 · Body size is not controlled by only one gene, but many, making it hard to predict the size of individuals before they reach adulthood. To further complicate matters, it’s not only genetics that influence body size. Factors like diet, nutrition, climate and health status all change how you grow.

    • The Straight Body Shape. You know you have a straight body type if you have the same measurements for all sections of your body. This type of body shape is popularly known as the supermodel body.
    • Pear Body Shape. If you have large hips and a tiny bust, you have a pear-shaped or triangle-shaped body. You have broad hips, and your waist section can look beautiful if you dress up the right way.
    • Apple Body Shape. You know you have an apple-shaped body if you have a larger bust as compared to the hip section, an undefined waist, round shoulders, a smaller hip, and slimmer legs and arms.
    • Spoon Body Shape. The spoon body shape or the pear body shape is characterized by large hips that are bigger than the rest of the body. This creates a nice shape that resembles the number 8.
  3. A body type, or a somatotype, refers to the idea that there are three generalized body compositions, or body shapes, that people generally fall into. The concept was theorized by Dr. W.H. Sheldon (1) back in the early 1940s, naming the 3 body types: endomorph, mesomorph, and ectomorph.

  4. May 31, 2022 · A person's body shape depends on many factors, including sex, diet, and genetics. Learn more about the different body shapes for males and females here.

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  6. Jul 7, 2022 · As early humans spread to different environments, they evolved body shapes that helped them survive in hot and cold climates. Changing diets also led to changes in body shape. The bodies of early humans were adapted to very active lifestyles. Their bones were thicker and stronger than ours.

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