Different Body Types As Per The Constitutional Psychology Theory

Constitutional psychology is a theory that an American psychologist William Herbert Sheldon developed in 1940s. He classified the human body types according to the relative contribution of three fundamental elements (somatotypes), and he named the somatotypes after the three germ layers of embryonic development, that is, the endoderm, the mesoderm, and the ectoderm.

Let's have a look at the features of the body types classified as per these somatotypes.

Ectomorphic: People with this body type can be distinguished by long and thin limbs. They have low fat-storage capacity in their body. Generally, these are referred to as slim. The reason behind such physique is that the ectomorphs are not inclined towards storing fat and building muscles in the body. These people have an extremely fast metabolic system, meaning that they can eat anything they want at any given point and not gain weight. This however does not mean that they are necessarily healthier than others. Also, if they need to put on weight, they have to increase the intake of calories, and have food at small intervals.

Mesomorphic: People with this body type can be distinguished by average athletic builds, broad shoulders, and narrow waistlines. They can build muscle easily as compared to other two body types. When they follow a healthy diet and exercise regime, they can lose weight fast and maintain their body weight the way they want. Mostly actors and sportsmen have this kind of physique.

Endomorphic: People with this body type can be distinguished by wide hips, medium-width shoulders, rounder bodies, and waists bigger than their chests. Endomorphic people have shorter arms and legs as compared to the other two body types. Due to slow metabolic system, they have difficulty losing weight because of storing fat easily. These people can eat less food and still gain more weight because of the extra calories being burned into fat. To maintain a healthy lifestyle and normal weight, these people have to stick to a stern diet.

Now that we know our body type, it will be easier to understand the way it functions.

Picture by: Golden Diets

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