Body type

Human body

Body characteristics

Anthropometry Birth weight Body height Body mass index Body size Body type Body weight Constitution Constitution type Overweight Physiognomy Physique Phrenology Somatype Underweight

self perception

Body awareness Body dysmorphic disorder Body image Body image disturbances

Other aspects

Body fluids Body language Body modification Body rocking Body sway testing Body temperature Bodywork Embodiment Physical attractiveness Posture

Body type has several meanings:

• A description of any kind of human body shape using general body descriptors: slim, fat, tall, petite, wide-shouldered, pear shaped, etc.

• A system devised by William Sheldon classifying humans into three different body types, (ectomorphic, endomorphic, and mesomorphic) sometimes used in modern weight training and exercise; see somatotype

• A classification system developed by Elliot Abravanel in the 1970s and 1980s that classifies an individual based on his or her glandular metabolism.

• Body typing is used in Ayurvedic medicine.

These approach may be seen as drawing conclusions about the relationship between body structure, physiological processes, personality characteristics and health and well being. The value of such holistic approaches to understanding is open to question and is often regarded as pseudoscience

See also

• Constitution type