What Body Type Am I if I Gain & Lose Weight Easily?

There are three general types of body shapes: ectomorph, mesomorph and endomorph. Ectomorphs are naturally lean with small bone structures; mesomorphs tend to be athletic with large bone and muscle structures; and endomorphs have stocky and solid. You can fall directly into one of these categories, or you can be a combination of body types. If you find it relatively easy to gain and lose weight, you're probably a mesomorph.

Men and women are strength training in a gym. (Image: IPGGutenbergUKLtd/iStock/Getty Images)

Mesomorph Body Type

In athletics and bodybuilding, mesomorphs are the body type to envy. They quickly gain muscle and can achieve a hard, defined look more easily than other body types. The mesomorph body responds well to diet and exercise, and a combination of cardio and resistance training is the best training prescription for these folks. When mesomorphs gain weight, it's evenly distributed. Women who fall into this category usually have hourglass shapes, while men have solid, rectangular bodies.