Losing fat is not always as easy as it sounds. For starters our ability to burn fat and build muscle is highly dependent on our somatotypes or body type. There are three main classifications of body type. They are endomorph, mesomorph, and ectomorph. While not everyone falls into one of these three main categories they can be a combination of the three.
An Endomorph has a very high fat storage and as a result they have a predisposition to storing fat. Most of the foods they eat will be stored as fat. Endomorphs have a large bone structure and a wide waist. Endomorphs put on both fat and muscle very easily. They are naturally very big and strong. Endomorphs will have the most difficult time burning fat as they have extremely slow metabolisms. Most endomorphs will have a very difficult time getting toned.
A mesomorph in the bodybuilding world is the ideal body type to have. They have a medium sized bone structure. They quickly build muscle and have very low fat storage. Wide shoulders, narrow waist, and solid torso are generally associated with being a mesomorph. Most professional athletes fall undo the mesomorph body type. Mesomorphs put on high amounts of lean muscle and are muscular. They have fast metabolisms and large muscles.
An Ectomorph has small bone structures and extremely low fat storage. Their muscles are long and thin. Ectomorphs have a very difficult time building muscle. Ectomorphs have an extremely fast metabolism and as a result have difficulty keeping weight on. Ectomorphs do not need to worry about putting on fat.
Knowing which of these body types you fall into can help you determine what aspects of exercise are most beneficial to your weight loss goal. Endomorphs will benefit more from cardio, while mesomorphs will benefit from both lifting weights and cardio. Ectomorphs will not have to worry about losing weight and would benefit more from eating more and lifting weights.
While there are only three main body types, someone can a combination of two of the three or even three of the three. It's possible to have a very large bone structure while having low fat storage. This would make you endomesomorph. While a straight mesomorph would probably be the ideal body type, being a combination of more than one can have its benefits. Having the knowledge of which body type you posses will help you decide which approach to losing weight is best for you.