Body Types, Measurements & Shapes: What Type Is Yours?

Published by Joshua Kleinstreuer

There are many different body types, measurements, and shapes out there. So, which one do you have? And what does that mean for your everyday life? Here’s a look at some of the most common body types, measurements, and shapes and what they mean for you.

Your body type is the result of your genetics, but it’s also the result of how you’ve repeatedly responded to the pressures of society. These descriptors are often used to put us into one of three body types: pear, apple, or tomboy.

But what does it all mean? Do you have a pear-shaped body or an apple-shaped body? And what about those others? Let’s take a quick look at each body type to get a better idea of which one you’re most like.

What Is A Body Type?

The male and female body shapes and types determine how your body looks, but they also have a lot to say about your physiology.

The way your body functions is determined by your genetics, but it’s also affected by how you respond to the foods you eat, the amount you move, and the medications you take.

Your body is made up of many different systems, each with its own set of organs, tissues, and functions. Your body type can help determine what shape your system takes and what shape is ideal for each one.

Why Is It Important To Know Your Body Type?

Your body type can help you determine why you feel the way you do and can help you get your daily nutrients in the most efficient way possible. Whether you’re trying to improve your health or lose a little weight, a better understanding of your body type could help.

Knowing your body shape and type can also help you make healthier choices when taking care of your body. If you know you’re more likely to put on weight if you eat carbs, you may be more likely to choose fruits and vegetables over candy bars.

If you know you have a corner-shifting body type, you may be more likely to stay active and less likely to gain weight in that area.

Body Types:

Apple Body Type

A round torso and thin limbs characterize an apple body type. Apple-shaped people often have difficulty losing weight and tend to store excess fat in their midsection. While this body type can be susceptible to health problems such as heart disease and diabetes, it also has some benefits. Apple-shaped people are often considered more fertile than other body types and are less likely to experience joint pain.

An apple-shaped body has an apple-like shape, with a big hip-to-shoulder bone and a small waist-to-leg bone. There are some people who call this type of body a "pear-shaped body with dimples."

This body shape is suitable for long activities, like running and cycling, because it doesn't get tired quickly. It's also the body type that struggles to lose weight the most because it doesn't store as much energy in fat as other types of bodies.

Pear Body Type

A pear-shaped body type is characterized by a curvier torso and larger hips and thighs. This body type is more prone to gaining weight in the hips and thighs, making it harder to lose weight in those areas.

However, pear-shaped people are typically stronger and have a lower risk of developing heart disease or diabetes than other body types. They have a relatively low body fat percentage and a thick muscle layer. 

Marfan Syndrome is common with pear-shaped bodies. It is an inherited condition that affects the body’s connective tissues, increasing the risk of falling, injuries, and heart and lung complications.

Inverted Triangle Body Type

Broad shoulders and a thin waist characterize an inverted triangle shape. This body type is at a higher risk for heart disease and diabetes, but it also has some benefits.

An inverted triangle body shape is thin, with broad shoulders and narrow hips. They have a relatively high body fat percentage and a thin muscle layer.

Hourglass Body Type

An hourglass body shape is characterized by curvy hips and shoulders with small waist measurements. Women with an hourglass figure often have difficulty gaining weight and are very fertile. However, they also have a higher risk of developing health problems such as heart disease and diabetes.

An hourglass shape results from genetics when it comes to body type. Hourglass-shaped bodies are symmetrical and have a well-defined waist. They usually have a high muscle mass and low body fat percentage. 

This body type is best for strength and power activities, like weightlifting and sprinting. 

Rectangle Body Type

A rectangle or tomboy body type is characterized by an even distribution of weight and few curves. This body type is the most common and is typically considered the healthiest. Rectangle-shaped people are less likely to develop obesity, heart disease, or diabetes.

A rectangle body shape is typically thin and has a proportional waist, hips, and shoulders. They have a low body fat percentage and a small muscle mass. This body shape is not as common as the other three shapes.

This body type is best for activities that require speed and agility, like running or tennis. The rectangle body type also gains weight the hardest, or best to say, the body fat is evenly distributed if they do gain weight.

How To Measure Your Body

Now that you know about the different body types, it's essential to learn how to measure your own body to find out what type you are.

There are three measurements that you need to know:

• Waist-to-hip ratio
• Body mass index (BMI)
• Bust size

Waist-To-Hip Ratio

To measure your waist-to-hip ratio, you need to take your waist measurement and hip measurement. To do this, use a measuring tape to measure the circumference of your waist at the narrowest point. Then, measure the circumference of your hips at the widest point. Divide your waist measurement by hip measurements to find your waist-to-hip ratio.

Body Mass Index (BMI)

Your body mass index is a measure of how healthy your weight is. To calculate your BMI, you need to know your height and weight. Enter your height into a BMI calculator, and then enter your weight. The calculator will calculate your BMI for you.

Bust Size

Your bust size is determined by measuring the circumference of your chest at its fullest point. Use a measuring tape to wrap around your chest just under your breasts to measure this.

Write this number down, and then subtract the number of inches you measured at your waist. This is your bust size.

Determining Your Body Type

Now that you know how to measure your body, it's time to find out what type you are.

Four main body types:

1. Rectangle
2. Hourglass
3. Triangle
4. Pear

To find out what type you are, compare your measurements to the descriptions of each body type.

• If you have a high waist-to-hip ratio and a large bust size, you are an hourglass.
• If you have a low waist-to-hip ratio and a small bust size, you are a rectangle.
• If you have a high waist-to-hip ratio and a small bust size, you are a triangle.
• And finally, if you have an extremely curvy body with a wide pelvis and a narrow upper body, you are a pear.

Now that you know your body type, you can learn what types of activities and exercises are best for you. You can also find out what kinds of clothes will flatter your figure the most. Knowing your body type is an important step in leading a healthy and happy life!

Get To Know Your Shape A Little Better

Now that you know a little more about your body type, get to know it better. Make a list of the positive and negative things about your shape, and think about how you can use those to your advantage.

Using a body shape calculator or a 3D scan can also be helpful in figuring out your body type. And, if you're still unsure, see a doctor or nutritionist to help you determine your body shape.

Final Words

Your body type is determined by your genetics, but it’s also the result of how you’ve repeatedly responded to the pressures of society.

It's a tough world out there for folks who are petite, fat, curvy, or angular. Pear, apple, or tomboy are all terms used to categorize people based on their physique.

Now that you know a little more about the different body types, measurements and shapes, you can start to figure out which one you have.

And once you know that, you can start to make some changes in your lifestyle to accommodate your body type better. Remember, there is no “one size fits all” solution when it comes to body types, so find what works best for you and stick with it!