You might respond to the question, “What’s your body kind?” by saying something like “hot,” ‘weak,”‘strong,” ‘flabby,” ‘curvy’ or other adjectives based on subjective opinions of yourself. There are objective ways to determine what the of your natural-born physique is.

These objective body types were developed in 1940 to correlate body type with personality traits, physical characteristics, and behavior. Later evidence has shown that personality is not a factor. Research suggests that the somatotype profiles are accurate, but there are differences in physique, hormonal responses, and physical performance. There is a solid scientific basis for using somatotyping to improve athletic performance and fitness.

You can go to a laboratory and have your bone and muscle mass, as well as your body fat, measured. This will give you a more accurate assessment of what type you are. This quiz will help you determine your body type.

Please read each question or statement carefully and (honestly) choose the option that best describes you. Choose the answer that best describes your situation. You can choose either or both options if you are unsure.

How To Determine Your Body Type

Add up how many times you answered “A,” “B,” or “C.” If you selected mostly A’s, you are an ectomorph.

You may have a hybrid type if your answers were evenly divided, such as 5 and 5 or 6 and 4, between two letters. If your answers were evenly split between the letters A and B, then you are an ectomesomorph. If they are equally spread between the letters B and C, then you are a mesoendomorph. And if it were 50-50 or 60%-40 between A and C, you would be an ectoendomorph.

You may have strayed from your true type by making poor food choices. In this case, a hybrid approach of diet and exercise can help you get back on track.

What your body type says about you

Ectomorphs

Ectomorphs are generally thin and lean. They tend to have small joints and long arms and legs. They are usually slim with little body fat and no noticeable muscle mass. Ectomorphs have fast metabolisms and burn calories quickly. They may be hungry throughout the day, but they do not gain weight.

Mesomorphs

Mesomorphs are naturally muscular and have a moderately sized frame, with wide shoulders, a narrow waist, and strong arms and legs. They also tend to have modest amounts of fat. Mesomorphs are genetically predisposed towards building muscle. They require more calories and protein to maintain power than other types. Mesomorphs can lose or gain weight with ease.

Endomorphs

Endomorphs have a large bone structure and more body fat than other types. Women who are endomorphous may be described as full-figured or curvy. Men with endomorphic features might be called round, stocky, or doughy. Endomorphs have narrow shoulders and wider hips and tend to carry excess weight around the lower abdomen, hips, and thighs. Weight loss can be difficult for endomorphs, but it is possible with the right diet.

Ecto-mesomorphs

This hybrid is becoming more common, particularly in the sporting world, where it is prized as an aesthetically pleasing physique. Ecto-mesomorphs are often referred to as “fitness models” by both men and women. Ecto-mesomorphs have V-shaped torsos, which are muscular and lean with strong but not bulky arms and legs.

Meso-endomorphs

According to research, this body type is most common among hybrids. It includes variations in which people are more mesomorphic (rather than having a true even split) or endomorphic (rather than having a truly equal break). This body type is common among bodybuilders, contact sports athletes (such as football players), and other athletes. Thick arms, legs, chests, and midsections characterize this type. It looks powerful and muscular but not chiseled. This may be because people with this type of body tend to have a layer of fat and water on top of the muscles.

If you want to lose weight, it is important to focus on resistance exercises and cardio workouts.

Ecto-Endomorphs

This is usually a body type that is acquired through bad habits.

Due to their longer limbs, smaller bones, and soft midsections, many ectoendomorphs have flabby upper legs and arms. The most effective plan for this type includes resistance training and high-intensity cardio. Both of these promote muscle growth, which stimulates metabolism.

The ecto endomorphs are insulin resistant and may be less efficient at burning carbs. They should stick to a diet plan for the endomorphs, with slightly more protein, medium fat, and lower carbs, until they lose excess body weight and their metabolic function has been optimized.