What Body Type Am I if I Gain & Lose Weight Easily?

What Body Type Am I if I Gain & Lose Weight Easily?
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One of the mesomorphic body type's claims to fame is the ability to gain and lose weight easily. A mesomorphic build also responds well to exercise, sports and other physical activities, meaning you don't have to work out for hours on end to stay fit. You do, however, have a few issues to watch out for. You could also be one of the many people who have combination body types that include some, but not all, mesomorphic traits.

Build

A mesomorph generally has an athletic build. This build features a long torso, large chest area, large bones and muscles and a solid muscular structure. Your body shape tends to be rectangular, with no well-defined waist. Weight can flit on and off with what may seem like no effort on your part whatsoever, although any weight gain can consist of fat unless you maintain a healthy fitness level.

Fat Gain

When you gain excess fat, it tends to show up around your waist, resulting in love handles or a big belly. Your rectangular body turns into an apple shape, which puts you at a greater risk of metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a condition marked by a combination of high insulin levels, abnormal cholesterol levels and high blood pressure that, in turn, put you at a higher risk of diabetes, stroke and heart disease.

Muscle Gain

When it comes to strength training, your easy weight gain can translate into easy muscle gain, although you still want to keep an eye on your calorie intake to avoid gaining fat. Your mesomorphic body type is the one best suited for weight training, with its innate strength and naturally large muscles. If you're a mesomorphic guy, you can enjoy the bulky muscles you'll get with heavy weights. If you're a mesomorphic woman, you can avoid bulking up by using lighter weights and more repetitions. For either gender, working all major muscle groups with a variety of exercises will result in a balanced physique.

Weight Loss and Fitness

You won't need to make an excruciating effort to maintain your mesomorphic body type. You can usually keep your shape with cardiovascular workouts of about 20 minutes three times per week. Your healthiest diet is a balanced one that includes all the food groups, especially protein foods. Keeping your calorie intake consistent and watching for fat gains can also help.

References

Article reviewed by Teresa Mullins Last updated on: Mar 16, 2011

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