Observing the muscular physiques or ultra-thin figures of celebrities and models can make the average person feel physically inadequate. Variances in body type are primarily determined by factors such as genetics and race, making these idealized representations of the male and female body an unrealistic or unhealthy goal for many individuals. Avoid pursuing an unhealthful physical ideal and focus on maintaining a body that is appropriate for your height, age and build.
Types
Terms such as apple, pear, banana, ruler, hourglass and inverted pear are commonly used to describe body shape. Body shape differs from person to person based on the waist-to-hip ratio in women and the chest-to-waist-to-hip ratio in men. Body type is linked to your biological fat storing process and both of these factors can potentially influence your health, according to MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. For example, more fat is stored around the waist in an apple-shaped body, which researchers believe can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Fat and Body Shape
The location of and amount of fat influences your appearance and overall fitness. Subcutaneous and visceral are the two major types of fat, says Dr. Marie Savard, author of "Apple and Pear: The Body Shape Solution for Weight Loss and Wellness." Subcutaneous fat is the material just below the surface of the skin that contributes to outward bulk in an overweight person. Visceral fat hugs the inner abdominal organs, having a greater effect on bodily functions such as cholesterol levels and blood pressure. An excess of visceral fat around the midsection is associated with complications such as heart disease, diabetes and stroke, according to Pregnancy.org.
Body Composition
Body composition is a better indicator of fitness than physical shape. The body is a balance of fat mass and lean mass composed of muscle, bone, water, organs and other components. An individual's outward shape and appearance can be misleading. For example, a person with a thin body can still have a high percentage of fat or low percentage of muscle. On the other hand, a woman with a pear-shaped body might be concerned about gaining weight around the hips, thighs and buttocks, but a healthy amount of fat in these areas can help to prevent disease by protecting the arteries from excess fat, Savard says.
Body Mass Index
The Body Mass Index, or BMI, can help you to determine whether or not your body composition is healthy in relation to your shape and size. The BMI chart considers height and weight to estimate the percentage of fat mass your body contains. Ideally, the male body should contain 12% to 18% of fat, while 16% to 25% is healthy for females, according to the University of Wisconsin Health Services Department.(ref 1, ref 4)
Waist Circumference
A healthy waist circumference is beneficial to your long-term health, regardless of body type. From a medical perspective, the ideal body shape is one in which your waist is proportionate to your hips and shoulders. While these proportions differ from person to person, the male waist should not exceed 40 inches and the female waist should not be more than 35 inches. Consulting with your physician is a helpful way to obtain information about the appropriate waist circumference and body mass index for your body type.
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