Every body is different! Our unique genetics determine our strengths, weakness, food reactions and more, predisposing us to be good, or struggle with, different activities or behaviors. In fact, your body type can also provide information on your food intake response, hormone levels, and sympathetic nervous system characteristics.
Back in the 1940’s, an American psychologist named William Herbert Sheldon tried to classify us non-superheroes into three categories called “soma types”:
Ectomorph (thin) – “Hard Gainers” – long, slim, and thin muscles/limbs and low fat storage. Ectomorphs are not predisposed to store fat nor build muscle.
Mesomorph (muscular) – They have medium bones, solid torso, low fat levels, wide shoulders with a narrow waist; predisposed to build muscle but not store fat. Aka “super humans.”
Endomorph (curvy) Endomorphs find weight loss extremely difficult; characterized by wider waists, large bone structures, and a predisposition to storing fat instead of building muscle.
Each body type responds differently to macronutrients, so calculating them based on body type can be a great way to find your breakdown. Once someone establishes their body type, they can then adjust nutrient intake to maximize body composition and health related goals.
Remember: body confidence does not come from trying to achieve the perfect body; it comes from embracing the one you’ve already got!