No matter what your health and weight goals are, getting the results you’re looking for involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a well-rounded diet. However, diet and exercise plans seem to produce better results for some more than others, and it may be due to body type.
Body types were first classified in the 1940s by American scientist, physician, and psychologist William Sheldon. His research defined body type based on skeletal frame and body composition. Sheldon argued that these body types are affected mostly by genetics rather than strictly caused by the environment, and that they determine whether you’re leaner, heavier, or somewhere in between.
In this framework, there are three main body types: mesomorph, ectomorph, and endomorph. Mesomorphs are characterized as naturally muscular and strong, with an inverted triangle (male) or hourglass (female) shape. People with this body type generally have a high metabolism and a low body fat percentage.
Ectomorphs tend to be tall and lanky, with long limbs and a naturally high metabolism. They maintain their weight more easily and can eat more without necessarily worrying about weight gain; they may even have trouble putting on pounds.
Endomorphs typically have a higher body fat percentage and a slower metabolism.
“Those with endomorph body types often find it difficult to lose weight, as their bodies are more biologically prone to holding on to excess fat,” says Lauren Chaunt, certified nutrition specialist. “They generally have slower metabolism, making them more inclined to gain weight.”
Since excess body fat triggers the release of the hormone estrogen, endomorphs find it difficult to gain muscle mass as well. Increased estrogen production decreases the production of hormones that promote muscle development, like testosterone. Endomorphs are often called stocky or full-figured and tend to carry most of their weight in their lower body, including their midsection, hips, and thighs.
There are also combinations of these types, since most people find that they don’t fit neatly into one category. Ecto-mesomorphs are lean and muscular. Meso-endomorphs are strong but tend to have larger, bulkier muscles as opposed to lean, defined muscles. Ecto-endomorphs are sometimes referred to as “skinny fat,” as in naturally thin but lacking muscle or tone — often with a less-than-healthy diet and exercise routine.
Do you find that no matter how much you exercise and eat healthy foods, you struggle to lose weight? After speaking with your doctor and ruling out medical reasons for this, you may find that you have an endomorph body type. According to Sheldon, endomorphs also have personality traits that can make following exercise and diet plans more challenging. They tend to gravitate toward slower, more sedentary lifestyles and find comfort in food and relaxation. If you describe yourself this way, you may have an endomorph body type.
This isn’t to say that all people with endomorphic body types are, or will be, unhealthy or overweight; they’re just more likely to have trouble maintaining a healthy lifestyle and weight. Research has also found that if you have an endomorphic body type, there are some foods and food groups that support weight management better than others.
“Endomorphs should aim to consume a diet rich in nutrient dense foods, including those comprised of lean quality protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats,” explains Chaunt.
Generally, people with endomorphic body types may benefit from a nutrition plan that balances unrefined, high-fiber foods and healthy fats, proteins, and carbohydrates from fruits and vegetables.
Endomorphs should limit their consumption of refined carbohydrates, processed foods, and high amounts of added sugars and trans fats. There are a few specific diet plans that meet these nutritional requirements, including the Paleo and Keto diets, both of which focus on low-carbohydrate and high-protein foods.
The balance of macronutrients you consume ultimately depends on your individual health and wellness goals, along with the recommendations from your doctor, dietitian, or nutritionist. Macronutrients are the nutrients in food that your body needs to keep functioning at peak performance. They include carbs, fats, and protein.
“Eating a balanced ratio of macronutrients is important, as it optimizes these roles in the body and provides us with balanced, sustainable energy,” says Chaunt.
Endomorphs don’t have to — and shouldn’t — avoid carbohydrates completely. Carbs are one of three macronutrients (plus fat and protein) found in food. Sugar, starch, and fiber are all examples of carbohydrates, and it’s primarily sugar that gives carbs a bad rap. Complex carbohydrates, like those found in whole grains and non-starchy vegetables, offer a multitude of health benefits.
When you eat excess sugar, it gets harder for the cells in your body to use that sugar for energy, leading to weight gain, increased insulin, and insulin resistance, which can cause inflammation in your arteries. This inflammation stresses your heart and damages it over time, leading to increased risk for obesity, heart disease, and stroke.
Although endomorphs are often predisposed to having more body fat, eating healthy fats won’t make you fatter, contrary to popular belief. Healthy fats, such as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, can help lower your LDL (or “bad”) cholesterol levels, helping prevent heart disease and promote brain health. These kinds of fats are found in:
Protein is an important part of any diet, especially for those looking to support muscle growth (which supports metabolism). Try:
Nuts and seeds make great additions to salads, soups, trail mixes, and they're great snacks. They also contain high levels of iron, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.
Fruits and vegetables should play a prominent role in any diet, and especially in endomorph diets. They can lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of stroke, improve heart health, and regulate digestion and blood sugar.
Carbohydrates are an important part of a well-rounded, nutritious diet. Endomorph diets can include:
Endomorphs are more likely to hold onto body fat, and diet and nutrition play an influential role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle for this and every body type. If you’re looking for an innovative approach to finding a diet that works for you, following a nutrition program for your specific body type might be the best way to maximize your body’s strengths and overcome any shortcomings.
While body-type diets aren’t as researched as other diets, the idea behind them is generally accepted. Specifically, endomorph diet plans focus on nutrient-rich whole foods — provided there’s a balance between macronutrients and healthier food groups — and don’t cut out any one food group.
If you’re looking to begin your health and wellness journey or are overwhelmed with implementing a certain dietary protocol from your doctor or nutritionist, Health Coaches can provide clarity, support, and accountability to get you started on your new path.
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