What the Difference Between Ectomorph, Mesomorph, and Endomorph Is
Your body type, also known as somatotype, is related to the theory that each person has a predetermined body structure. According to this approach, there are three different somatotypes: ectomorph, mesomorph, and endomorph, which can allow you to have an idea of how your physiology is working in its current state.
5-Minute Crafts has prepared this short guide to explain the main characteristics of each body type and will help you identify which one is yours.
Somatotypes:
Ectomorph
It’s characterized by a thin and lean appearance. People with this body type usually have small joints, long limbs, and more narrow hips and shoulders in relation to their height. Additionally, they have little body fat, fairly unnoticeable muscle mass, and a fast metabolism, which can make it difficult for them to gain weight or muscle as they burn calories more quickly.
Mesomorph
A mesomorph is a person with a medium bone structure, whose shoulders are wider than their hips, although they can be about the same size. They also have strong legs and arms, a slender waist, and moderate body fat, which makes them neither overweight nor underweight. Moreover, they tend to gain or lose weight easily.
Since mesomorphs are predisposed to build muscle mass, they need to consume more calories and protein than other body types for their muscle maintenance.
Endomorph
An endomorph has an excessive amount of body fat, often making them overweight or obese. Additionally, their bone structure is heavier, with a large waist and narrow shoulders. This body type usually makes people carry their extra weight mainly in their thighs, hips, and lower abdomen.
Although it can be difficult for endomorphs to lose weight as they gain it very easily, it’s possible by adopting the appropriate diet and training approach.
How to determine your somatotype:
One of the easiest ways to find out your body type or somatotype is doing the following test:
- Place your right hand around your left wrist.
- Try putting your thumb over your middle finger.
🔷 Results:
- Ectomorph: the thumb overlaps the middle finger.
- Mesomorph: the thumb meets the middle finger.
- Endomorph: the thumb and middle finger do not touch.
Another simple way to know your body type is by measuring across your hips and shoulders, which will lead you to the following results:
- Ectomorph: the shoulders are wider than the hips.
- Mesomorph: the shoulders and hips are almost the same size.
- Endomorph: the shoulders are slightly smaller or have the same length as the hips.
❗ Note that, after doing these tests, your somatic type can be a combination of two categories. While the wrist test is related to your natural somatic type, you may have shifted to a different one due to diverse factors, such as nutrition, medication, physical activity, etc.