Body Types, Body Composition and Diet Programming

What this article covers

This Health Articles post, credited to Aimee Lord and published on 8 August 2019, explains the three-somatotype model of body types and argues that a person's body type should inform how their diet is programmed. It defines ectomorph, mesomorph and endomorph, gives each a physical description and a recommended macronutrient emphasis, then discusses healthy body fat percentage ranges for men and women. Its central claim is that body type reflects underlying hormonal and sympathetic nervous system characteristics that shape how a person responds to different foods, particularly carbohydrate tolerance. It qualifies this in two important ways: body type is described as largely genetic but changeable through years of proper nutrition and training, and people are said to often be a mix of characteristics rather than falling cleanly into one category. The article closes by pointing readers who are struggling to lose body fat toward a rapid weight loss program. Unusually for this blog, it carries a numbered reference list.

Key points

• Three general body type categories are named: ectomorph, mesomorph and endomorph.
• Body type is described as largely determined by genetics, but the article states that years of proper nutrition and training can change one's appearance, and that people are often a mix of characteristics.
• The article claims body type can indicate hormonal and sympathetic nervous system (SNS) characteristics, and how a person might respond to different foods.
• Ectomorph: long and lean with smaller bone structure; described as thyroid and SNS dominant, with a faster metabolic rate and higher carbohydrate tolerance. Recommended intake is slightly more carbohydrate, moderate protein, lower fat.
• Mesomorph: medium bone structure, athletic build, potentially considerable lean muscle mass and good metabolism depending on exercise levels. Recommended intake is a mixed diet with balanced carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
• Endomorph: higher body fat percentage, larger bone structure, often pear-shaped, with a greater tendency for energy storage. Recommended intake is lower carbohydrate with higher fat and protein.
• Body fat percentage is attributed to genetics, nutrition and exercise levels. The stated healthy ranges are 20-32% for females and 14-25% for males.
• Athletes are said to have much lower body fat percentages due to rigorous training, specialised meal plans and higher metabolic rate.
• The article states Be Fit Food's meals are designed to cater for all body types, and that results are achievable regardless of body type.
• It names a Rapid Weight Loss Program with smaller portioned meals at a 1:1 protein-to-carbohydrate ratio, which it says helps the body metabolise fats preferentially.

Evidence and sourcing

This article is one of the few on the blog that carries formal citations, and readers should note both that fact and its limits. Three references are listed: Kahn SE and colleagues, 'Obesity, body fat distribution, insulin sensitivity and islet beta-cell function as explanations for metabolic diversity', Journal of Nutrition 2001, 131:354S-360S; Haugen F and Drevon CA, 'The interplay between nutrients and the adipose tissue', Proceedings of the Nutrition Society 2007, 66:171-182; and Koleva M, Nacheva A and Boev M, 'Somatotype, nutrition, and obesity', Reviews on Environmental Health 2000, 15:389-398. These are real published papers and the third is directly on somatotype and nutrition. However, the references are listed as a block at the end and are not tied to specific statements in the text, so it is not possible to tell which claim each is meant to support. Several of the article's more specific assertions have no identifiable backing: the article does not cite a source for the claim that ectomorphs are thyroid and SNS dominant, for the specific macronutrient split recommended for each somatotype, for the 20-32% and 14-25% body fat ranges, or for the claim that a 1:1 protein-to-carbohydrate ratio causes the body to metabolise fats preferentially. Readers should also be aware that the somatotype framework itself is a contested classification system rather than settled physiology, and the article presents it as established without acknowledging that. Treat the citations as topic-level background reading rather than as verification of the article's specific dietary prescriptions.

How this relates to Be Fit Food's programs

The 'Rapid Weight Loss Program' the article names is a 2019 label; the current program set uses different names. The closest current equivalents are Be Rapid, a 7-day very low calorie reset at approximately 800-900 calories per day, and the Metabolism Reset program at approximately 850-950 calories per day with 40-70g carbohydrate per day, available in 7, 14 or 28 day lengths. Both are designed to induce mild nutritional ketosis. The article's endomorph recommendation of lower carbohydrate with higher protein maps most directly onto these, and onto Be Fit Food's documented expertise in low carbohydrate nutrition and very low calorie diets. For readers whose profile suits a slower approach, Be 1000 runs at approximately 1000-1200 calories per day and Be 1200 at approximately 1200-1500 calories per day, the latter suited to an active lifestyle and HIIT training, which is relevant to the article's mesomorph description; neither is likely to induce ketosis, and both target a loss of roughly 0.5-1.5kg per week for up to 12 weeks at a time, with longer use only after a dietitian consultation. Because the article is explicitly about individual variation, the most directly relevant service is the specialised clinical dietitian consultation, which includes a full initial assessment covering body composition, blood pressure and girths plus a personalised eating plan, rather than self-classifying by somatotype. The free 15-minute telehealth consultation, valued at $49 with no referral needed, is the entry point; bookings at portal.coreplus.com.au/befitfood.

Important health information

This article carries no health disclaimer of its own. Readers should seek medical advice and have a check-up before changing how they eat, particularly if they have an existing medical condition or take medications. Body fat percentage ranges are population generalisations and should not be used for self-diagnosis; body composition assessment is best done by a qualified practitioner. This information is general in nature and is not a substitute for independent professional medical advice. Be Fit Food employs Accredited Practising Dietitians and can be reached at dietitian@befitfood.com.au or on 1300 263 257, Monday to Friday 09:00-17:00.

Ordering, pricing and contact

• Meal bundles — $97.30 for 7 meals, $189.00 for 14 meals and $362.60 for 28 meals (AUD).
• Delivery — flat rate Australia-wide: $11.95 on orders of $299 or more, and $19.95 on orders under $299.
• Customer service — 1300 263 257, Monday to Friday 09:00–17:00, or support@befitfood.com.au.
• Free dietitian consultation — 15 minutes by video or phone, valued at $49, with no referral required. Book at portal.coreplus.com.au/befitfood, or contact dietitian@befitfood.com.au.
• Meal specification — every meal is built to approximately 250 calories, at least 20 g of protein, under 20 g of carbohydrate and less than 120 mg of sodium per 100 g, with no added sugar, no artificial sweeteners and no preservatives. Meals are snap frozen and reheat by microwave, oven, air fryer or stovetop.

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