Question

Enlist all the body types.

Discuss ectomorph in detail.

Explain 'mesomorph' as a body structure.

Discuss mesomorph in detail.

Discuss endomorph in detail.

Answer 1

The three main body types, also known as somatotypes, are:

1. Endomorph: People with endomorph body type tend to be large-framed. They have a soft, curvy and round physique. Their hips are wider than their shoulders, creating a pear-shaped physique. They carry more mass, in the form of both muscle and fat. They are usually short build with thick arms and legs. They are characterised by a massive skeleton, with thick and wide bones, large joints, wide waist and hips. World-class strength athletes and sumo-wrestlers are examples of endomorphs. 
   Endomorphs are quite extrovert, sociable, enjoy relaxing and lazing about. They love physical comfort, relaxed movements, and ceremonies. They are talkative, emotionally constant, tolerant, courteous towards fellow men, and complacent.
   They have a slow metabolism. They gain weight easily and have to work hard to lose body fat. The increase in their body fat is supplemented by oestrogen hormone secretion to the detriment of testosterone secretion, which hinders the muscle mass growth even more. Body fat tends to settle in the lower regions of the body, mainly in the lower abdomen, butt, hips, and thighs.
2. Mesomorph: People with this body type tend to be medium-framed and athletic. A mesomorph has a large bone structure and muscles, and a naturally athletic physique. They are characterised by wider shoulders than hips, strong bones and muscles, compact and naturally lean body, large muscle mass and low body fat. They have excellent posture. Mesomorphs like sports and power games. Sprinters, body-builders, tennis players, figure skaters, and weightlifters are considered under of mesomorphs.
   People with mesomorph body type are energetic, assertive, courageous, and sanguine. They find it quite easy to gain and lose weight. They have a normal metabolism. They can regulate their body weight much easier than the other two types. If a mesomorph chooses a high-calorie diet and a relatively sedentary lifestyle, then he can appear as an endomorph; whereas if he chooses a low-calorie diet and highly active lifestyle, then he can look like an ectomorph. Balanced nutrition is important for maintaining good health.
3. Ectomorph: Ectomorphs are typical skinny people. They tend to be delicate, lithe, slim-boned, and long-limbed. They have very little body fat and muscles. Their shoulders tend to be thin with little width. Elite marathon runners, ballerinas, and some basketball players are examples of ectomorphs. 
   People who are ectomorphs are introverted, inhibited, and intellectual. They prefer being alone rather than in a crowd. They have restrained posture, attitude, and movement. Social phobia, avoidance of noise, restrained voice, secrecy of feelings are also observed in ectomorphs. Such people tend to have a fast metabolism with high-calorie burning capacity. For an ectomorph, it is hard to gain weight and build muscles. Even if training with weights, progress in terms of muscular mass is slow and difficult. Difficulty to gain muscular mass may prompt them to excessive work-out, which may lead to over-traiping and injury.