What is my body type? Find yours to lose weight.

Why can she eat whatever she wants and never gain an LB (that’s slang for pound😋)? We all have had that friend and we all have asked that question, so instead of secretly hating this friend, let’s understand why and how it works that way.

Bean pole, pear shape, hourglass… we have heard these to describe someone’s body, so let’s now place them into body types, or somatotypes to be scientifically correct.

We are born with this somatotype. It is something we inherit and is based on skeletal frame and body composition. Not everyone is created equal.

To start – before convoluting the system, let’s simply look at the 3 main somatotypes. We will worry about hybrids and behavioral impacts on these somatotypes later.

Ectomorph

Ectomorph – this is that friend we can’t stand… I mean, love deeply and want to understand. So, ectomorphs are the bean pole category. They are linear, typically tall, and skinny. Very little fat, but also very little muscle. The ectomorphs do not gain weight easily, (pin a damn rose on their nose) but also do not build muscle well. The traditional ectomorph will have a thin face, long thin arms, and legs, a narrow chest, high forehead. Yep, fashion models are ectomorphs along with basketball players.

Endomorph

Endomorph – the absolute inverse of the ectomorph. This somatotype struggles to eat a peanut without gaining weight. They have more fat and more muscle and gain weight very easily. Endomorphs are heavier and rounder, but that does not mean overweight. Our pear-shaped friends will fit into this category.

Mesomorph

Mesomorph – the hourglass lands here. This somatotype builds and gains with very little effort. Typically mesomorphs have a strong athletic build. Mesomorphs tend to be broader in the shoulder and chest area.

So that’s the gist of somatotypes. We are born with what we got, so now what? How do we make the best of it, keep it fit, and know what works well with our body?

Macro IQ is the genius way to start, because, through scientific and experimental research, we have calculated for the somatotypes and determined gram for gram what fats, carbs, and proteins you need for maximum results. I bet there is a blog for this too, so check it out.

The more you know, the more you grow (or don’t – depending on your goals).

If you want to see how your body type affects your macros and your Macro IQ check it out here.