Tutorial No.3, Body Shape. 'Anatomy is destiny' so wrote the famous psychiatrist, Sigmund Freud. This tutorial will cover several basic body measurements. Performing these measurements is very easy and requires nothing more than a tape measure and a friend to back up your observation.
The first will classify your body shape as belonging to one of three basic body types called somatotypes. Body types are composed of different ratios of three types of embryonic tissue. These three basic tissue types comprise the germ layers of the embryo.
Ectoderm tissue forms the nervous system, skin, hair, mammary glands, and pigment, and connective tissue. Mesoderm tissue forms the muscles, the skeleton, the kidneys, heart, blood cells, and arteries. Endoderm tissue forms the digestive organs, most of the glands of the body, the lungs and the intestines.
Somatotypes are named after their predominant tissue type. Here are some guidelines for determining your type. Ectomorphs typically have an abundance of ectoderm tissue and are usually lanky and smaller framed. Mesomorphs typically have an abundance of mesoderm tissue and are usually muscular and medium to large framed. Endomorphs typically have an abundance of endoderm tissue and are usually rounded and larger framed. Endomorphs tend to look a bit padded even when they are not over weighed.
Many people are actually a blending of two somatotypes. The most common combinations are the meso-endomorph with the somewhat rounded and muscular physique, and the meso-ectomorph with the lanky and somewhat muscular physique.
Sometimes it is difficult for us to be objective about ourselves so you may want to check your results with a friend as they may be more objective about how you see yourself. If you were unclear about which body type best describes you, try this simple test.
Circle your wrist with the thumb and middle finger of your other hand. What do you notice? If your middle finger and thumb do not touch you are large framed and most likely an endomorph. If your middle finger and thumb just touch, you are almost certainly a mesomorph. If your middle finger and thumb are re-lap, you are small framed and most likely an ectomorph.
Once you have determine your body type, enter your information on Worksheet 3 of the Online GenoType Calculator. For more information regarding the significance of body types, refer to Pages 76 to 77 of the GenoType Diet book.
Waist-to-Hip Ratio. The Waist-to-Hip Ratio which compares the measurement of your abdomen at the waist to the measurement of your hips is a good indication of biological health. The Waist-to-Hip Ratio indicates the risk for heart disease in both men and women, and it reveals quite a bit about your health and your metabolism. In order to take your Waist-to-Hip Ratio, you will need a soft measuring and the assistance of a friend.
First wrap the soft tape measure around your waist at its narrowest point just above the belly button. Make sure the tape measure is leveled all the way around your body and parallel to the floor. The tape measure should be snugged but not tight.
Try for accuracy of within 10 millimeters where 1/8 of an inch. Record your result on Worksheet 3 of the Online GenoType Calculator. For your hips choose the widest part of you hip bones and wrap the measuring tape around yourself, remembering that it should be snugged but not tight.
Make sure the tape measure is leveled all the way around your body and parallel to the floor. Record your results on the Worksheet. The calculator will determine your Waist-to-Hip Ratio. For more information regarding the significance of Waist-to-Hip Ratio refer to Page 49 of the GenoType Diet book.
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