You might also find that you can “eat whatever you want” and not gain weight - something that sounds ideal in theory, but an unhealthy diet can have an effect on your health no matter your weight or body mass index (BMI). And it’s these metabolism-revving genes that are mostly responsible for a thin body frame. “We have genes that determine if you have a faster or slower metabolism,” she says. Yet she’s quick to point out that it’s usually not a matter of your specific body type, but rather, it’s probably genetics. They’re trying to put on muscle and get stronger,” says Nanci Guest, PhD, RD, a nutritional scientist and personal trainer in Toronto. “These are the tall, thin people in the gym, and they’re often male. You may also categorize yourself as an ectomorph if you know you don’t gain weight easily. The Other Body TypesĪlong with an ectomorph, the other two body types (also referred to as somatotypes) include mesomorph (someone who typically has a sporty, athletic, or muscular build) and endomorph (a larger-boned person who is curvier or has more fat on their body). Catudal says the ideal diet for an ectomorph is one that is higher in carbs (45 percent of calories) and protein (35 percent of calories) and lower in fat (20 percent of calories).

“Ectomorphs naturally have a higher insulin sensitivity to process carbs,” says Phil Catudal, a personal trainer and coauthor of Just Your Type: The Ultimate Guide to Eating and Training Right for Your Body Type.īut ectomorphs lack muscle mass, so they need to amp up their protein intake and combine it with a strength training plan, argue proponents of this approach. That’s because these individuals tend to handle carbohydrates the best out of any body type, say proponents of the body type diet.

If you can handle a spaghetti or pizza dinner with no ill effects, you may be an ectomorph.

It’s one of the three main body types (along with endomorph and mesomorph), which some experts say can provide the framework of your ideal diet and exercise plan. If you’d categorize yourself as tall, thin, or lanky, you might be an ectomorph.

Ecto mesomorph workout plan