6.2 Somatotypes and obesity

Question 1

What is a somatotype?

Answer 1

A method of classifying body type into the three categories of ectomorph, mesomorph and endomorph.

Question 2

Explain the characteristics of a ectomorph

Answer 2

Narrow shoulders, narrow hips. Tend to be tall and thin, lightly muscled. Suited for endurance type events.

Question 3

Explain the characteristics of a mesomorph

Answer 3

Muscular appearance with wide shoulders and narrow hips. Mesomorphs tend to have a muscular, athletic build with little body fat and gain muscle relatively easily. Suited to sports requiring speed, strength and power.

Question 4

Explain the characteristics of a endomorph

Answer 4

Pear-shaped body with wide hips and narrow shoulders. Rounded appearance, has trouble loosing weight but can gain muscle. Endomorphs are suited to sports which do not require high levels of speed or mobility

Question 5

Define obesity

Answer 5

A term for people who are overweight, caused by an imbalance of calories consumed to energy expended. A BMI of over 30.

Question 6

What are the mental and social factors of being obese?

Answer 6

Increase chance of depression, loss of confidence, inability to socialise, inability to leave home (extreme)

Question 7

What are the physical and fitness factors of being obese?

Answer 7

Limit stamina, flexibility, agility and speed/power. Increases chances of cancer, increase chances of Heart attacks, Increased chance of diabetes, increase chance of high cholesterol.