Body types for women

Our bodies are all different. They differ in shapes, sizes and even how they work. Knowing your body type helps you feel more confident, beautiful, and helps you set more realistic body goals.

Your body can be classified based on your body shape and how your body functions. Based on your shape, you may fall into any of the following body type categories depending on where your body stores fat. They include:

• If your bust, waist and hips are approximately the same measurements, you have a rectangular shape. This shape is also called the banana shape.
• Your shape is a triangle if your bust is smaller than your waist and you have relatively large hips. This shape is also called the pear shape.
• The inverted triangle: your bust is relatively larger than your waist and your hips are smaller than your waist.
• If you have broad shoulders, a large waist and relatively small hips, you have an oval shape. This is also known as the apple shape.
• If your shoulders and hips are about the same measurements and your waist is smaller than both, then you have the hourglass figure.

Based on how body breaks down your food and uses it, you may fall into the following categories:

• You are an ectomorph if you have more muscles than fat and have a slim body. You may also notice that you find it difficult to gain weight easily or lose weight quickly. This is because your body breaks down your foods fast and stores less fat.
• If you have a mix of fat and muscle in almost equal amounts, you are a mesomorph. Your body does not break down your foods too quickly or slowly.
• If you have more fat than muscle in many parts of your body, then you are an endomorph. This is because your body does not break down your food as fast as in other people. You may also notice that you gain weight quickly.

Your body type may not remain the same throughout your life. At certain times, you may notice some changes in the way you look. These changes may be small and not noticeable or can be very obvious.

The following factors can affect your body type:

• As you grow older, your body naturally stores more fat. You may notice that you gain some weight without planning to. This may change your body shape.
• Some hormones like oestrogen or stress hormones can cause weight gain. Therefore, you may notice that during pregnancy or when you are stressed, you add weight.
• Habits such as eating healthy foods, exercising and drinking plenty of water can help you maintain a healthy weight and help your body function at its best. Eating junk food and not exercising can make your body work poorly.

You are beautiful in whatever shape or body type you have and do not have to be a certain way before you feel gorgeous. You can choose a clothing style that best fits your body shape and that works to boost your confidence. Whatever your shape, nothing beats being beautiful at heart and living a happy life.