They say the grass is always greener on the other side, and that is certainly true of body type. You may admire others who are thinner, curvier, smaller-chested or bustier, broader-shouldered or more narrow in the hips than you are. If you randomly grouped people by gender and height, you would observe a large variance in body shape and weight in each group. Determining the ideal weight for your body type can be complicated.
Categorizing Body Type
Scientists have identified three basic body types: ectomorphic, mesomorphic and endomorphic. While some people fit neatly into one of the three categories, many people have a combination of characteristics. Other ways of categorizing body type have been less scientifically developed. In 1943, Metropolitan Life Insurance Company developed height and weight tables based on lowest mortality rate, with categories for small, medium and large frames. These charts have been used for decades to define "ideal" weight for age and gender.
Ectomorph
Ectomorphs tend to be pencil-thin with narrow hips, waist and shoulders. They have a short torso, long appendages and a high metabolism. In bodybuilding vernacular, ectomorphs are "hard gainers" when it comes to putting on muscle mass. The smaller frame size and lower muscle mass of an ectomorph weighs in much lighter than a meso- or endomorph. A sedentary ectomorph is likely to lose lean weight without gaining fat weight. An ectomorph would likely fit the "small frame" category on the Met Life weight chart.
Mesomorph
Mesomorphs have muscular, athletic bodies with broad shoulders, a long trunk and narrow hips and waist. They can easily control their weight by building metabolism-boosting muscle. Body builders are often mesomorphs. Depending on athleticism, the long trunk and muscularity, a mesomorph can weigh heavy on the scale without being over-fat. A mesomorph who is sedentary is more likely to become fat than a sedentary ectomorph. A mesomorph would be closest to "medium frame" on the Met Life chart.
Endomorph
Endomorphs have round faces, large frames. a stocky build and higher body fat. Endomorphs can build muscle easily, but may have a hard time lowering body fat to show it off. Due to a slower metabolism, losing weight can be a challenge for an endomorph. Physical activity and healthy nutrition will help an endomorph control his weight. An endomorph will likely fit into the "large frame" category on the Met Life chart.
Lifestyle and Body Type
Body type is genetically pre-determined, and cannot be changed. However, some of the characteristics you see in your family are determined by lifestyle, not body type. Athleticism and obesity are largely influenced by lifestyle choices. Accepting your body type and making the most of what you have to work with is a healthy alternative to wishing you had someone else's body. Remember that body weight is greatly influenced by muscularity. Weighing more than your "ideal" does not necessarily mean you are too fat. Having your body fat percentage professionally evaluated will give you a better idea of whether you need to lose weight.
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