Finding Your Ideal Body Weight and Body Type

Ideal Body Weight

In determining your ideal body weight, you should always take your body type and body composition into the equation.

Body Types

There are 3 structural body types, namely:

• Ectomorphic - having a thin body build
• Mesomorphic - having a muscular or sturdy body build
• Endomorphic - having a heavy body build

Body Composition

Your body is made up of muscle, bone, fat tissue, blood and skin. These vary from individual to individual because of gender, age, genetic blueprint, fitness level and lifestyle.

Ideally the percentage of body fat in a man is around 23 percent, and in a woman about 27 percent.

If you have too little fat, it is just as dangerous as too much fat.

Therefore if you are overweight, it is advisable for you to have a full assessment of your body type and body-fat estimation (ratio of fat percentage).

This is essential in order to set realistic goals and expectations for your weight.

For more information refer to our newsletter article: "The Importance of Body Type in Exercise and Weightloss" (See our Contact Page.)

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