Types of body build in women: asthenic, normosthenic, hypersthenic, endomorphic. BMI, how to determine

When selecting the ideal hairstyle or haircut, having a thorough understanding of your body type can be very helpful. Understanding the unique traits of each body build—asthenic, normosthenic, hypersthenic, or endomorphic—will help you choose a style that accentuates your best qualities. The four primary body types will be broken down in this article, along with how your body mass index (BMI) affects which category you fall into.

The asthenic body type is usually defined by a delicate, slender frame. People of this type frequently have lightweight frames and narrow hips and shoulders. Hairstyles that add volume or give the appearance of curves may be especially attractive on asthenic bodies.

In general, normosthenic bodies are proportionate and balanced. This build is characterized by features that are evenly distributed, well-defined, and neatly fit inside standard measurements. This body type gives you a lot of styling options because most hairstyles go well with this well-balanced figure.

Conversely, hypersthenic body types are characterized by a thicker torso, wider shoulders, and a strong, solid build. If this describes you, vertical lines or taller hairstyles can help lengthen your figure and counterbalance the wider upper body.

Endomorphic bodies tend to be softer, rounder, and have an increased propensity for body fat to accumulate. Hairstyles that create a sense of length or add volume at the top can help balance and streamline the overall silhouette for this type of body.

Your BMI, which is a straightforward measurement based on your weight and height, can be used to determine which body type you have. You can choose hairstyles that go better with your particular shape if you know where you stand on the BMI scale and what your body type is.

Knowing that women have four different body types—endomorphic, hypersthenic, asthenic, and normosthenic—can have a big impact on what hairstyles work best for their bodies. We can offer helpful guidance on choosing haircuts and styles that complement each distinct shape by looking at these body builds and how Body Mass Index (BMI) fits into this. You can ensure that you look and feel your best by using this guide to help you match the appropriate hairstyle to your body type.

Types and types of body type

Women’s body types are based on a genetically formed somatotype, which is a predetermined set of physical attributes that are present from birth.

If the figure—a term used to describe the outlines of the body—is subject to change based on lifestyle choices and environmental influences, then the somatotype—a constant value—is what determines how the figure looks. As a result, these ideas are fundamentally different from one another and are not interchangeable.

In Russian medical practice, there are three main categories used to classify female body types:

• asthenic (thin);
• normosthenic (proportional);
• hypersthenic (big-boned).

The literature contains a significant number of female body type typologies that are based on different classification features. Actually, a lot of them share characteristics, and some ideas are frequently interchangeable with one another.

Measuring your wrist’s circumference at its thinnest point is sufficient to determine your body type (based on the primary classification). This typology’s foundation is the resulting value, which is a property of bone tissue thickness. Men’s and women’s measuring indicators will vary at the same time.

Measurement interpretation:

• Normosthenics – within 15 – 17 cm (and 18 – 20 cm for men).
• Asthenics – less than 15 cm (and 18 cm for men).
• Hypersthenics – over 17 cm (and 20 cm for men).

This is the simplest method to determine your somatotype, but it’s also the least accurate. In actuality, there are a number of formulas (including online calculators) that determine which body type a woman belongs to. The majority of them consider the ratios of weight to height.

Therefore, M. B. Chernorutsky proposes using the Pignet formula to classify body types based on height, weight, and chest circumference.

Height – (weight + chest circumference) equals the pignet index.

Measurements in kilograms and centimeters are used in calculations. The following is the interpretation of the resultant number:

• for asthenics – more than 30;
• for normosthenics – from 10 to 30 (inclusive);
• for hypersthenics – less than 10.

Consequently, the following will be the indication if a woman weighs 50 kg, is 170 cm tall, and has a 90 cm circumference around her chest:

• IP = 170 – (50 + 90) = 30

She is therefore a member of the normosthenic type.

Asthenics (ectomorphs)

Women’s physique types characterized by fragility and slenderness are categorized as asthenic types, which combine two concepts that are synonymous under one name: ectomorphs and hyposthenics. This encompasses a graceful body as well. One term for these women is "thin-boned."

They have the following physical characteristics:

• poorly developed muscle mass;
• tall stature (not necessarily);
• elongated and most often cold limbs;
• small breast size;
• thin and slightly elongated facial features;
• thin skin and hair;
• narrow shoulders.

Women who have an asthenic physique are known to have an accelerated metabolism because of their small body weight. This is the point at which the symptoms of cold extremities, sugar addiction, and complex carbohydrate requirements appear.

Character traits are influenced by a woman’s body type. Ectomorphs have the following traits:

• resentment and secrecy;
• fatigue and increased anxiety;
• vulnerability and insecurity;
• a tendency to depression.

People who are hypothenics have underdeveloped muscles and a higher likelihood of getting sick frequently:

• colds (often with complications);
• diseases of the respiratory and digestive organs;
• heart disease, hypotension and neuroses.

Hypersthenics (endomorphs)

The asthenic type’s exact opposite. Because of their large body shapes, hypersthenic women are also referred to as picnic, large-boned, or endomorphic somatotypes.

Qualities and outward manifestations of endomorphs:

• short or average height;
• tendency to be overweight;
• wide waist, hips and chest circumference;
• feminine rounded shapes and the presence of a tummy;
• large breast size;
• endurance.

One of the most common issues facing hypersthenics is the battle with obesity. Women have sluggish metabolisms, make weight gain easy, and find weight loss challenging. As such, it is advised to prioritize foods high in protein in the diet.

Unique qualities of character:

• kindness and a tendency to forgive everything;
• suffering and phlegmatism;
• openness and non-conflict.

People who possess these attributes are frequently referred to as having a big heart and a broad soul. Even under pressure, they maintain their composure on the outside, and slowness is a fundamental aspect of who they are. Endomorphs are known for their emotional and physical stamina. The body experiences additional strain when there are deposits of extra fat.

The diseases listed below are common among this body type:

• endocrine system diseases, obesity;
• respiratory and liver diseases;
• heart diseases and hypertension.

Normosthenics (mesomorphs)

In the typology of the female body, the normosthenic somatotype lies in between the two previous extremes. Its well-developed muscles and harmonious proportions set it apart.

Characteristics that set mesomorphs apart:

• average height (most often);
• pronounced waist;
• shoulder width is approximately equal to hips or slightly wider;
• fit appearance and elastic skin;
• normal metabolism;
• correct ratio of body parts.

Mesomorphic body types allow women to gain and lose weight with ease. They are frequently unduly proud because they have faith in their appearance and self-assurance.

The following characteristics stand out among the others:

• purposefulness and leadership qualities;
• activity and impulsiveness;
• quick response and determination.

Normosthenics are less prone to illnesses, the most prevalent of which are:

• diseases of the respiratory system and digestive tract;
• colds;
• diseases of the musculoskeletal system and hypertension.

Athletic body type

Relates to and, in some theories, is a component of the normosthenic type.

It is uncommon in females and is identified by:

• above average height;
• elongated limbs;
• well-developed muscle mass;
• narrow hips and a wide sternum;
• massive skeletal system;
• endurance and fitness.

The athletic somatotype female appears large but not fat. Sharp, angular features make up the face.

They maintain an active lifestyle, are self-assured, and possess a strong will and decisive nature. These people are usually referred to as heroes.

Cerebral (brain) body type

K. Sigo’s theory states that Women in mental-related professions such as scientists, philosophers, educators, analysts, lawyers, and economists fall into this body type.

They are distinguished by:

• a tendency to be thin;
• short stature;
• poorly developed muscle mass;
• large head size in relation to the body;
• narrow hips and shoulders;
• high forehead and small facial features.

This body type is characterized by concomitant neuroses and heart disease, as well as irritability and silence.

Respiratory body type

Women with a respiratory body type are distinguished by their narrow lower body and wide upper body. This type is most commonly seen in athletes (runners, swimmers, and athletes).

Characteristics that set the respiratory somatotype apart:

• above average height;
• large chest circumference and well-developed respiratory system;
• pronounced waist and narrow pelvis;
• broad shoulders;
• elongated sternum and limbs;
• large facial features associated with respiratory loads (nose, cheeks).

People with this body type tend to be tough and vivacious, with angular facial features, a sharp personality, and impulsive behavior.

Digestive physique

According to outward manifestations, it is associated with a hypersthenic physique and is typified by:

• tendency to obesity;
• the presence of the abdomen and a shortened chest;
• soft features with a wide jaw and lips;
• a broad -bone body structure;
• full limbs with poorly developed muscles.

These women vary in their levels of fatigue, slowness, and stress tolerance, and they are able to perform brief tasks with heavy loads.

Dysplastic physique

Implies the existence of obvious flaws and irregularities in the body’s proportions (limb asymmetry, skeletal malformations from birth). In this instance, a person’s physical characteristics appear from birth or in the early years of life.

Disorders that develop during life (such as musculoskeletal and skeletal diseases, severe scoliosis, muscle atrophy) or abnormalities brought on by mechanical factors (such as trauma or injuries) do not predict the development of a dysplastic somatotype.

People with these body types tend to be quiet, solitary, and secretive.

Mixed body type

The three categories of female body types—hypersthenics, asthenics, and hyposthenics—that are widely recognized represent the extremes of diametrical differences. But in real life, many women do not fit neatly into one or more somatotype categories, and there are boundaries between them that are dependent on various factors.

A mixed body type is implied in this instance:

• ectomorph-mesomorph;
• ectomorph-endomorph;
• endomorph-mesomorph.

The primary body type traits that are predominant in one or more somatotypes are prioritized during classification. An ectomorph-endomorph woman, for instance, would have a narrow chest, delicate facial features, small breasts, a prominent waist, and excess fat deposits in the gluteal region, which contrast sharply with the top.

Body weight index

By calculating a woman’s body mass index, or BMI, you can evaluate how well she meets her primary anthropometric indicators, which are height and body weight, and whether she needs to adjust her weight through dietary or exercise changes.

Generally speaking, the mass index can be computed using the following formula:

Where

• M is weight, kg;
• H2 is height in meters, squared.

For instance, if a woman weighs 50 kg and is 1.7 m tall, then:

50 / (1.7 x 1.7) = 17 is the BMI.

The World Health Organization states that the following value interpretation is used to correlate this indicator with the norm and identify deviations:

• up to 16 kg / sq. m – pronounced deficiency weight;
• from 16 to 18.5 kg / sq. m – deficiency weight;
• from 18.5 to 25 kg / sq. m – weight within the normal range;
• from 25 to 30 kg/sq. m – a tendency to obesity appears;
• from 30 to 35 kg/sq. m – the presence of obesity;
• from 35 to 40 kg/sq. m – a high degree of obesity;
• from 40 kg/sq. m. m and more – a pronounced, severe form of obesity.

Consequently, the 17 kg/sq. m value that was obtained is below the underweight indicator.

Large errors can be found in this formula, which also fails to account for the unique characteristics of a given somatotype, which can differ greatly from the predetermined BMI values.

Height and weight norms by body type

The ideal weight norm for each somatotype is established based on the unique characteristics and features of each female body type. Furthermore, the age of the woman can alter this norm.

Height, cm	Acceptable weight norm, kg
	for asthenics (ectomorphs)	for normosthenics (mesomorphs)	for hypersthenics (endomorphs)
Up to 148	42.5 – 51.2	45.3 – 54.9	53.4 – 60.0
148 – 150	43.2 – 52.2	49.8 – 57.4	54.6 – 62.4
151 – 153	44.7 – 52.6	51.2 – 57.2	53.8 – 62.7
154 – 159	47.2 – 56.3	52.1 – 61.3	56.4 – 65.8
160 – 163	50.9 – 57.4	54.8 – 68.2	58.8 – 68.7
164 – 169	52.9 – 61.0	57.4 – 65.6	62.2 – 72.4
170 – 173	55.6 – 63.1	60.2 – 68.3	65.1 – 75.7
174 – 179	57.1 – 65.6	62.4 – 71.1	66.6 – 78.4
180 and above	61.2 – 68.7	65.3 – 73.6	69.7 – 81.6

Women between the ages of 18 and 35 can use these figures. If you’re older, increase the numbers above:

• 3 kg for ectomorphs;
• 4 kg for mesomorphs;
• 5 kg for endomorphs.

In this instance, the term "norm" refers to the average weight value, which can vary depending on the formulas used to determine the ideal weight and can fluctuate within the segment between the maximum and minimum points.

Classical formula for determining BMI taking into account the somatotype

The World Health Organization’s recommended formula for calculating BMI has been improved over time and now accounts for women’s somatotype.

It appears as follows:

• for asthenics BMI = (M + 10%) / H2;
• for normosthenics BMI = M / H2;
• for hypersthenics (M – 10%) / H2.

Therefore, a preliminary correction of 10%, upward or downward, to body weight is necessary in the case of an asthenic or hypersthenic body type.

As an illustration:

• A woman has an asthenic somatotype with a weight of 47 kg and a height of 162 cm.

Weighted Average (BMI) = (47 + 10%) / (1.62 x 1.62) = (47 + 4.7) / 2.6244 = 19.7

As a result, the weight falls within the typical range (WHO).

• A woman has a mesomorphic somatotype with a weight of 63 kg and a height of 168 cm.

63 / (1.68 x 1.68) = 63 / 2.8224 = 22.3 is the BMI.

Which is in line with average weight.

• A hypersthenic woman with a weight of 76 kg and a height of 164 cm.

BMI is equal to (76-10%) / (1.64 x 1.64) = (76-7.6) / 2.69 = 25.4.

There is already a tendency toward obesity in this situation.

Broca"s weight index

P. Broca, a French surgeon, devised the basic formula for figuring out the ideal body weight in the latter part of the 1800s.

This is how it appears (for women):

The height value in centimeters serves as the basis for the computation.

As somatotyping was investigated, important flaws in this approach were found:

• It is only suitable for the average woman with a height of 155 cm to 175 cm;
• It is not suitable for athletes;
• It is not suitable for women suffering from diseases associated with weight loss or gain.

Broca-Brugsch weight index taking into account body type

German scientist T. Brugsch altered the original formula to account for women whose height falls outside the 155–175 cm range.

• If the height is less than 165 cm, the BW = Height – 100;
• If the height is 165 – 175 cm, the BW = Height – 105;
• for heights over 175 cm, IV = Height – 110.

For mesomorphic women, these formulas work well. It is advised to add 10% to the resulting IV for asthenic types and deduct 10% from the result for hypersthenic types.

As an illustration:

• A woman has a normal (mesomorphic) body type with a height of 167 cm.

IV, or the ideal body weight, is 167 – 105 = 62 kg.

• For asthenic body type with the same height:

The ideal weight is equal to IV = (167 – 105) – 10% = 62 – 6.2 = 55.8 kg.

• For hypersthenic somatotype and height of 162 cm in a woman:

IV is equal to (162–100) + 10%, or 62 + 6.2 kg, or 68.2 kg.

Quetelet index taking into account body type and age

A. Quetelet states that a woman’s weight falls on a certain percentage of her height, which varies based on her age and somatotype. The formula makes the assumption that women between the ages of 15 and 40 who are fertile should calculate their ideal weight.

The following is the formula:

Where K, as established by the table, is the weight coefficient expressed in grams per centimeter.

Age, years	Weight per 1 cm of height, g
	Asthenic	Normousthenic	Hypersthenic
15 – 18	315	325	355
19 – 25	325	345	370
26 – 39	335	360	380

It is advised to subtract 10% from the result for people under 20 years old and under 160 cm tall.

As an illustration:

• The normal weight for a woman 170 cm tall and 30 years old with a hypersthenic body type will be:

IV = 64600 g, or 64.6 kg, x 380.

• The ideal weight for a 17-year-old girl with a height of 165 cm and an asthenic body type will be:

315 x 165 – 10% = 46.8 kg is the IV.

Hamvi formula

A common method of calculating ideal weight in inches looks like this (for women):

IV equals 45.5 + 2.2 x (60 – Height).

It is assumed that 45.5 kg is the ideal weight for a woman who is 60 inches (152.4 cm) tall. For every inch that a woman’s height exceeds 60 inches, she gains 2.2 kg of mass.

You can convert the formula into common centimeters for easier comprehension by using the widely recognized conversion factor of 1 inch = 2.54 cm. It turns out that there is 2.2 kg / 2.54 cm = 0.87 kg of mass for every 1 cm of height (if it is higher than 152.4 cm).

This is how the final formula will appear in centimeters:

IV = (Height – 152.4) + 0.87 x

For determining the ideal weight for a normosthenic body type, this option is appropriate. 10% should be deducted from the outcome if the woman is asthenic, and 10% should be added if she is hypersthenic.

As an illustration:

• A woman with a height of 165 cm has an asthenic body type.

IV = (165 – 152.4) x 0.87 – 10% = 51 kg.

• A woman has a height of 170 cm and belongs to the mesomorphic type somatotype.

IV equals 60.8 kg (45.5) + 0.87 x (170 – 152.4).

The ideal weight for a woman is a somewhat ill-defined and conditional concept, for which numerous formulas have been developed. Large errors occur because not all of them account for physical attributes specific to a given physique and are computed solely using 1 or 2 values.

Understanding your somatotype and the acceptable weight norm will help you make lifestyle changes that will improve your appearance, address any problem areas on your body, and avoid developing a number of diseases.

The article’s author is Anna Lalochkina.

Created by Svetlana Ovsyannikova.

Body Build Type	Description
Asthenic	Slender and lean build with narrow shoulders and hips. People with this build often have a lower BMI and find it easier to stay slim.
Normosthenic	Balanced build with proportional shoulders and hips. This is often considered the average body type with a normal BMI range.
Hypersthenic	Stocky and muscular build with broader shoulders and hips. This build tends to have a higher BMI and may carry more weight overall.
Endomorphic	Rounder build with more body fat, especially around the waist and hips. This type typically has a higher BMI and may find it harder to lose weight.
BMI	Body Mass Index (BMI) is a number calculated from your height and weight. It helps determine your body fat level and is used to classify body types.
How to Determine BMI	To find your BMI, divide your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared (kg/m²). For example, if you weigh 70 kg and are 1.75 m tall, your BMI is 22.9.

Your choice of hairstyle can be greatly influenced by your understanding of your body type. Depending on your body type—endomorphic, normosthenic, hypersthenic, or asthenic—you can choose a haircut that enhances your inherent features. For example, fuller, more structured styles may accentuate a hypersthenic frame, while lighter, more delicate cuts may be more appropriate for an asthenic build.

While it’s only one piece of the puzzle, knowing your Body Mass Index (BMI) can also help determine your body type. Although it’s not a comprehensive indicator of body composition, BMI gives you a general idea of where you stand in terms of weight in relation to height. Learn more about your unique build to help you select hairstyles that complement your features and overall silhouette.

In the end, having the ideal haircut for your body type will boost your self-esteem and sense of style. Accept your body type and allow it to guide your hairstyle decisions. Make sure every cut you consider complements your personality as well as your physical attributes.

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