Third in this category is the ectomorph, which is characterized by long thin limbs, and a long thin body. The outlines of the ectomorph bone structure are usually visible, especially in the neck and pelvic area. Their delicate or frail look is due to the fact that their bones tend to be small. Because of these small bones, ectomorphs naturally stay away from hard physical activities, and lean towards activities that test stamina, which is something they have a lot of. Many ectomorphs become dancers because they have a naturally graceful look to their slim bodies.

Ectomorphs often have trouble gaining weight no matter how much they eat, and can easily lose weight if needed. Their muscles are not well defined because ectomorphs generally have less muscle and less body fat than the other two body types. This means that they have little muscle definition throughout the body. Many times this is noticed in the chest area. Because of their characteristics, ectomorphs make ideal supermodels.

The next set of body types are divided based on the inner workings or systems of their body, namely metabolic rate and hormone levels. You will notice that the differences in hormone levels or metabolic rate can actually correspond to the three body types presented above, but because of the more specific system of classification, four body types emerged. These four body types are lymphatic, android, thyroid, and gynoid.

Lymphatic bodied people easily gain weight all over the body. They are very likely to be overweight, and are prone to cellulite. They have a slow metabolism and a dysfunctional lymphatic system. People with lymphatic bodies often fit in the endomorph category.

The next body type is the android body type. Likened to the mesomorphic bodies, this straight up straight down body type with little accentuation around the waist and muscular limbs has an anabolic metabolism. This means they gain muscle easily and make good athletes. Often, weight gain occurs in the upper regions of the body which is why they are said to have an apple‐shape.

Third are the thyroid bodies. These are the equivalent of the ectomorphs. They have tall thin bodies and limbs, and have a very fast metabolism, which explains why they can eat a lot of food without gaining any weight. Because they have little fat content in their bodies, they rarely have cellulite. However, thyroid bodies are prone to stimulants like caffeine and nicotine.

Finally, there are the gynoid bodies. These are very curvy bodies. They can be placed under the endomorph category, but are separated from the lymphatic body type because of their predominance in the female hormone estrogen. This hormone causes them to gain weight in the lower regions of the body.

Remember that it is rare for someone to belong to a certain classification perfectly. Combination bodies are very common and are the majority of the body types that you will find in society. To determine your body type, look at yourself in the mirror and see which type best describes you. If you go for annual physical check ups, ask your doctor to check on your thyroid, lymphatic system, and estrogen levels. This will give you a better idea of which category you fall under.

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