Body Types and Fat Loss

There are 4 different body types derived from the dominant gland that shapes our physiology: Android (Adrenal), Gynoid (Gonadal), Thyroid and Lymphoid (Pituitary). These 4 body types have unique hormonal and metabolic characteristics. Some body types gain weight easily and are also more susceptible to cellulite. In all body types the programs and guidelines found in the book Body Type Diet and Lifetime Nutrition by Eliot Abravanel. These guidelines can be followed to gain or lose weight and to eradicate cellulite.

Android Body Type

The Android body type has broad shoulders and strong muscular limbs. The trunk is somewhat straight up and down and there is not much of a waist. The pelvis is narrow and the hips do not flare. Android types have an anabolic metabolism, which means that they tend to be “body-building” and will gain weight in the upper part of their body so that they may become apple-shaped. Most of their weight gain occurs on the front of the abdomen.

They build muscle mass easily and make good athletes. They tend to produce more male hormones than do the other body types. Android types tend to crave foods that are high in cholesterol and salt. The body turns cholesterol into steroid hormones, which will have a body building effect. This may lead to some cellulite in the abdominal area, trunk and upper buttocks, but not below the hips.

The diet that makes them healthy and slim: Mostly vegetarian, low in red meats and fats.

Gynaeoid Type

The Gynaeoid body type is the curvy shape with small to medium shoulders tapering to a small waist and then flaring below to wide curvaceous hips. Weight gain occurs only on the thighs and lower buttocks and gives a very feminine and curvy shape. Many gynaeoid types will have a big problem with cellulite accumulating around the upper thighs and buttocks. If they try to lose weight with just any old low-fat low-calorie diet, it can be quite frustrating because weight will tend to come off easily from areas where there is not a problem, while the thighs and buttocks retain their fatty deposits and cellulite.

They often have a hormonal imbalance called “estrogen dominance” which means that there is too much estrogen compared to progesterone. They often crave foods combining high amounts of fat and sugar, which will increase their sensitivity to estrogen, leading to more cellulite in the buttocks and thighs. They do well with plant hormones (phytoestrogens), which have a balancing effect and help them to reduce their estrogen dependent weight gain.

The diet that makes them healthy and slim: Mostly vegetarian, low in spicy foods that stimulate the food cravings.

Thyroid Type

The Thyroid body type is characterized by a fine narrow bone structure and long limbs. This body type often has a “racehorse” or “greyhound” appearance. Many dancers and models belong to this body type. Thyroid types often crave stimulants such as caffeine, nicotine and artificial sweeteners, and may miss meals.

They often have problems with unstable blood sugar levels, which can cause fatigue and cravings for sugar and stimulants. Generally speaking, thyroid types do not gain weight easily and have a very high metabolic rate. Of all the body types they are least likely to develop cellulite and if it does occur, it is on the buttocks and back of the thighs.

The diet that makes them healthy and slim: Mostly fish and poultry, protein with every meal, plus vegetables, and not too much carbs.

Lymphatic Type

Lymphatic body types gain weight all over the body, and have a “cuddly baby doll” appearance. Weight gain occurs very easily because lymphatic types have a very low metabolic rate. They also have a dysfunctional lymphatic system resulting in generalized fluid retention, which makes them look fatter than they are.

They are prone to deposits of fat swollen with lymphatic fluid, which can cause severe cellulite. This type of cellulite gives them thick puffy limbs so that it is hard to see their bone structure. They often avoid exercise and crave dairy products, both of which will exacerbate their cellulite.

The diet that makes them healthy and slim: High purine protein, high in red meats and fats, minimal carbs.