In the literature there are two different standards based on different assumptions:
Based on a histological theory there are three body types:

Ectomorph

  • Finds it hard to gain weight or build muscle
  • Delicate Built Body
  • Thin
  • Flat Chest
  • Fragile
  • Lean
  • Lightly Muscled
  • Small Shouldered
  • Fine hair
  • Skin burns easily
  • Long limbs, neck, toes, and fingers
  • Suffers from extremes of temperature
People with this body type seem to be able to eat almost anything without putting on weight. However, they tend to have very moderate eating habits with some members perceiving eating as a chaud much like washing the floors. However, they tend to crave on stimulants such as caffeine and cigarettes. They have great difficulties to develop muscles in a body building program.


Mesomorph

  • Athletic
  • Hard Body
  • Hourglass Shaped (Female)
  • Rectangular Shaped (Male)
  • Mature Muscle Mass
  • Muscular Body
  • Excellent Posture
  • Gains Muscle Easily
  • Gains Fat More Easily Than Ectomorphs
  • Well-defined muscles and large bones
  • The torso tapers to a relatively narrow and low waist.
  • Feature of the face well defined: such as cheek bones and a square, heavy jaw. The face is long and broad, and is cubicle in shape.
  • Skin tans well
  • Hair is heavy in texture.



Endomorph

  • Round and soft body
  • Short arms and legs
  • Comparatively small hands and feet
  • Upper arms and thighs are often more developed than the lower
  • parts of the arms or legs.
  • High waist.
  • Soft smooth skin
  • Fine hair
  • Large spherical head and broad face
This body type has more difficulties loosing weight than the other two.


Based on the hormonal theory there are four body types:
Most people are a mixture of different body types.

Body Type Characteristics Weight gain pattern Recommended diet
Android Equivalent to Mesomorph: Strong muscular arms and legs, narrow pelvis and hips. Often good at sports and very energetic Tend to gain weight in the upper body and around the abdomen. This body type produces more male hormone than other body types Tends to crave savoury and salty foods and carbohydrates. Should eat low fat protein and low GI foods such as nuts, seeds, grains, beans. Females benefit from phytoestrogens found in hops, flaxseed, soy, alphalpha.
Gynaeoid Equivalent to Endomorph. Small to medium shoulders, narrow waistline and wide hips. Tend to gain weight on the buttocks and thighs. Dominated by estrogen, which stimulates fat deposition around hips, buttocks and thighs, combined with cellulite. Tend to crave foods high in sugar and refined carbohydrates. Should replace these foods with fruit and fruit sorbets and foods that reduce the estrogen dominance.
Thyroid Equivalent to Ectomorph. Fine bone structure, long limbs compared to the trunk. Do not gain weight easily, tend to crave on stimulants such as caffeine, diet sodas and cigarettes, their body weight and energy levels can fluctuate dramatically Should eat small frequent meals rich in protein and complex carbohydrates to stabilise the metabolism
Lymphatic A form of Endomorph. Limbs have thick puffy appearance and the bone structure is not visible. There appears to be a fat layer all over the body. Gain weight very easily due to a very slow metabolism and also a very inefficient lymphatic system which leads to fluid retention. Tend to crave dairy products such as cream, cheese, ice cream and chocolate. Should avoid dairy products which can overload their lymphatic system.


Most people are a mixture of two or three body types. The android type is very common in males while the gynaeoid is much more common in females and only occasionally seen in males.