Knowing your body type (somatotype) — whether you're an ectomorph, mesomorph, or endomorph — could be crucial to getting the results you want from your eating and exercise routines. You could go to a lab and have your body fat, bone, and muscle mass measured to determine your body type. You can also gauge your body type right now by taking this quiz.

Please choose the response that most accurately describes you after carefully reading each of the following questions or statements. If you're unsure which of two options applies to you, go with your instinct; you'll understand why later.

What Is My Body Type?

Bone

Muscle

Body fat

When you look in the mirror, which of the following factors appears most prominent (or dominant) on your body?

My shoulders are narrower than my hips

They’re approximately the same width as my hips

My shoulders are wider than my hips

How do your shoulders compare to your hips?

A pencil

An hourglass

A pear

Which of the following best describes the shape of your body?

My middle finger and thumb overlap a bit

My middle finger and thumb touch, but just barely

There’s a gap between my middle finger and thumb

What happens if you encircle one wrist with your other hand's middle finger and thumb?

I have trouble gaining muscle or body fat

I can gain and lose weight without too much difficulty

I gain weight easily but have a hard time losing it

When it comes to your weight and metabolism, which of the following patterns best describes your history?

I looked long and lanky

I looked strong and compact

I looked soft and full bodied

How did your body look as a teenager or as a young adult?

I would lose muscle and strength quickly

My body wouldn’t change that much

My body would soften up significantly and I might even gain weight

What would happen to your body if you had been exercising regularly and then stopped for a few months?

The same as I usually do — normal, really

I generally feel good, though I notice my ab muscles are extra hard or my belly feels full

More often than not, I feel tired or bloated for a few hours after the meal

How do you usually feel after eating a lot of carbs such as pasta or pizza?

I have a small frame

I have a medium frame

I have a relatively large frame

How would you describe your body’s bone structure?

Ectomorphs are generally thin and lean, with slim waists, narrow hips and shoulders, small joints, and long legs and arms. They are typically slim, with little body fat and noticeable muscle mass. Ectomorphs' fast metabolisms cause them to burn calories quickly, so they may be hungry frequently throughout the day; however, regardless of what, how often, or how much they eat, they don't gain weight or muscle easily.

You are an ectomorph if you chose mostly A's

These hybrids are becoming more common, particularly in the athletic world, where this physique is prized for its symmetry. Indeed, ecto-mesomorphs have a "fitness model" appearance in both men and women. Ecto-mesomorphs are lean and agile, with strong-looking (but not bulky) arms and legs, and have V-shaped torsos (think: wide upper back, developed chest and shoulders, narrow waist).

If your responses were evenly distributed between A and B, you are an ecto-mesomorph

Mesomorphs are naturally muscular people with moderate-sized frames, wider shoulders and a narrow waist, strong arms and legs, and low body fat. Because they are genetically predisposed to build muscle, mesomorphs often require slightly more calories (because muscle requires more calories to maintain) and protein than the other types (again, for muscle maintenance). Mesomorphs, in general, can easily loss or gain weight.

A mesomorph if you chose mostly B's

If your scores were evenly distributed between A and C, you are an ecto-endomorph.

Typically, this is a behaviorally acquired body type — someone who is truly an ectomorph has gained significant body fat, whether from poor eating habits, sedentary lifestyles, or a combination of the two.

Ecto-endomorphs have soft midsections, droopy chests, and flabby upper arms and legs due to their long limbs and smaller bone structure. The most effective plan for this type of fitness, body composition, and health involves resistance training and high-intensity cardio, both of which promote muscle growth and stimulate metabolism.

You are an ecto-endomorph

If your scores were spread evenly between B and C, you are a meso-endomorph

This is the most typical hybrid, including variations where individuals have more predominantly mesomorphic or endomorphic characteristics (rather than a truly even split). This body type is common among bodybuilders and participants in contact sports (such as football players). This type, which has thick arms and legs and a boxy chest and midsection, looks strong but isn't well-chiseled. This might be in part because people with this body type have a propensity to hold onto water and build up a layer of fat over their muscles.

In order to prioritize fat loss, people with this type of build should be ready to adopt a more sophisticated approach to resistance training, cardio exercises, and diet.

You are a meso-endomorph

Endomorphs have narrow shoulders and wider hips, and any excess weight is carried in the lower abdomen, hips, and thighs. It is often difficult for them to lose weight, but with the right diet and training approach, it is possible.

You most likely have a hybrid body type if your answers were evenly split between two different letters, such as 5 and 5 or even 6 and 4. To be more precise,

An endomorph if you chose mostly C's

What Is My Body Type?

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