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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
- What does ‘body type’ mean?
- Common ‘male’ shapes
- Common ‘female’ shapes
- What determines body shape
- Is body typing helpful?
- Tips to improve body image
- Summary
Bodies come in different shapes and sizes, influenced by a person’s frame and composition. Different body types can include triangle, rectangle, hour glass, ectomorph, mesomorph, and endomorph.
Different body types are part of what makes every human unique. Some bodies are curvier, some have broad shoulders, and some have more musculature.
People usually have a defined body type after puberty, but this can change based on activity level, dietary habits, and other major lifestyle and hormonal changes.
This article focuses on common body shapes, common body types, what determines body shape, and ways a person can improve their body image.
A note about sex and gender
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.
A note about sex and gender
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more. Was this helpful?
In the 1940s, psychologist William H. Sheldon introduced the concept of different body types, or somatotypes.
While many people tend to think that this type of classification only refers to males, it can also describe the female body. This classifies the body based on how lean a person is or how easy it is for their body to store fat.
Per this classification, there are three different body types:
•Ectomorph: This is when the body is lean and slender and tends to have less body fat and muscle. People with this body type can often find it challenging to gain weight in the form of muscle or fat. Fashion models are an example of this body type.
•Endomorph: This is when the body has more stored fat, lots of muscle, and gains weight easily. People with this body type are not always overweight. Football lineman and Marilyn Monroe are examples of this body type.
•Mesomorph: This is when the body is athletic and strong. People with this body type are neither overweight nor underweight. Swimmers and volleyball players are examples of this body type.
Females tend to have more fat mass. They also tend to be curvier due to a combination of larger breasts, wider hips, larger buttocks, and bigger thighs.
While every body is unique, there are several broad categories for the female body shape. An older 2004 article notes that this historically stems from the fashion industry.
Common shapes include:
•Pear or triangle: People with this body shape have narrower shoulders than their hips. A person tends to distribute most of their weight in the buttocks, lower hips, and thighs.
•Inverted triangle: This is when the lower half of the body is smaller than the top, with shoulders wider than the hips. People with this body shape tend to gain weight in the upper body and stomach areas. They also tend to have larger chests and narrow hips.
•Rectangle: This is when there is no major definition at the waistline and hips. People with this body shape have similar hip and shoulder width, and the body tends to be in equal proportions.
Many factors determine a person’s body shape. These include:
•genetics
•sex
•age
•diet
•activity level
Exercise
A person who seems to have an ectomorph body type may believe that they will not experience as many benefits from working out as a type that may find it easier to gain muscle, such as endomorphs. However, people with all body types will notice improvements in strength, flexibility, and weight if they follow an exercise routine to reach their goals.
Metabolic obesity
Some people may assume that certain body types are less likely to develop conditions due to overweight or obesity. However, this is not necessarily true. Research shows that a person who has an apparently healthy, or moderate, weight can have metabolic obesity, which can lead to an increase in the risk of developing conditions such as type 2 diabetes, ischemic heart disease, and certain types of cancer. Low amounts of physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and not following a healthy, balanced diet are all risk factors of having metabolic obesity. While some genetic factors also exist, experts have not investigated this link fully. People should not assume that they are at a lower risk of developing conditions associated with obesity due to their particular body shape.
Disordered eating
A person who displays characteristics of one body shape but wants to look like another may develop poor body image issues or body dysmorphia. In some cases, a person may develop disordered eating patterns. A 2019 study investigated the effects of social media on females in college aged 18–25 years. A majority of the study participants had a healthy body mass index (BMI). However, even participants with a healthy BMI viewed their bodies as overweight compared to those of social media influencers. The researchers suggest that people who see a “thin ideal” on social media may be at a higher risk of developing disordered eating patterns in an effort to achieve this ideal.
Sometimes, people do not feel comfortable with their body shape.
For example, a very curvy person may wish for a more rectangular-shaped body, while someone with a rectangular-shaped body may want to have more curves.
It is common for some people to feel pressure around the concept of the “ideal body” shape or type, but ultimately there is no ideal body shape — health is the most important factor.
The National Eating Disorders Association outlines some thought patterns a person can consider for a more positive body image:
•Appreciate what the body can do.
•Remember that beauty is not skin deep.
All bodies are special and unique. One aspect of what makes them unique is their shape and how they carry weight and muscle.
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 a doctor.
- Christine Richardson
- Apple shape. People with a so-called “apple” body shape carry more weight around their midsections. Having a full waistline, or “abdominal obesity,” can be a red flag that you may be at risk for conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
- Pear shape. People who are “pear shaped” have a narrow top body and more fullness in their hips and bottoms. People with overweight or obesity who have a pear shape can be at higher risk for varicose veins and osteoarthritis in their lower joints (like hips and knees).
- Inverted triangle. People with an inverted triangle body composition carry more of their weight in their upper body, like their chest and shoulders, as opposed to their stomach and hips.
- Ruler. If your body shape has less defined curves, you may be more of a ruler, or a column-shaped body type. A ruler shape may sound like it translates to “skinny” or underweight, but not necessarily.
What Is Your Body Shape? What Your Body Type Might Reveal About Your Health. References. By. Holly Smith, DO, NASM-PES. Reviewed by. Hannah Daugherty, MS, NASM, ACE. Cite. How to Find Your Body Shape. Everyone has their own genetic makeup that influences their body shape and how their body distributes fat mass.
Human anatomy is the study of the shape and form of the human body. The human body has four limbs (two arms and two legs), a head and a neck, which connect to the torso. The body's shape is determined by a strong skeleton made of bone and cartilage, surrounded by fat (adipose tissue), muscle, connective tissue, organs, and
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.
Jul 31, 2024 · What body shape am I - is it an hourglass, a triangle, or maybe a rectangle? If this question troubles you, we have a solution - a foolproof body type calculator that only needs a few seconds to give you a clear answer.
