Body type, often referred to as somatotype, is a classification system that categorizes individuals based on their general physique and skeletal structure. While the concept of distinct body types (ectomorph, mesomorph, endomorph) originated in the 1940s with psychologist William Sheldon, modern health and fitness professionals often focus on more practical measurements that correlate with health risks and optimal training/nutrition strategies.
This calculator provides an indication of body composition characteristics that are commonly associated with different health profiles, rather than strictly adhering to the historical somatotype model. It considers key anthropometric measurements: height, weight, waist circumference, and hip circumference.
Key Measurements and Their Significance:
Body Mass Index (BMI): Calculated using height and weight, BMI is a widely used screening tool to categorize individuals into underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese categories. While it doesn't directly measure body fat, it's a good indicator of general weight status.
Formula: BMI = Weight (kg) / (Height (m))^2
Waist Circumference: This measurement is a key indicator of visceral fat (fat around the abdominal organs). High waist circumference is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic disorders, regardless of BMI.
Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR): This ratio compares waist circumference to hip circumference and is another indicator of fat distribution. A higher WHR suggests more abdominal fat, which is linked to greater health risks.
Formula: WHR = Waist Circumference (cm) / Hip Circumference (cm)
Interpreting Your Results:
The calculator will provide an estimated BMI, a general assessment of waist circumference relative to height, and a WHR value. These metrics help paint a picture of your body composition.
BMI Categories:
Below 18.5: Underweight
18.5 – 24.9: Normal weight
25.0 – 29.9: Overweight
30.0 and above: Obese
Waist Circumference Risk:
For women, a waist circumference greater than 80 cm (approx. 31.5 inches) is considered at increased risk.
For men, a waist circumference greater than 94 cm (approx. 37 inches) is considered at increased risk.
Significantly higher values (e.g., > 88 cm for women, > 102 cm for men) indicate substantially increased risk.
Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) Risk:
For women, a WHR of 0.85 or higher is associated with increased health risks (apple-shaped body).
For men, a WHR of 0.90 or higher is associated with increased health risks (apple-shaped body).
Lower WHR values suggest a more balanced fat distribution (pear-shaped body).
Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult with a healthcare provider for personalized health assessments and recommendations.
function calculateBodyType() {
var heightCm = parseFloat(document.getElementById("heightCm").value);
var weightKg = parseFloat(document.getElementById("weightKg").value);
var waistCm = parseFloat(document.getElementById("waistCm").value);
var hipCm = parseFloat(document.getElementById("hipCm").value);
var resultDiv = document.getElementById("result");
resultDiv.innerHTML = "; // Clear previous results
if (isNaN(heightCm) || heightCm <= 0) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Please enter a valid height in cm.";
return;
}
if (isNaN(weightKg) || weightKg <= 0) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Please enter a valid weight in kg.";
return;
}
if (isNaN(waistCm) || waistCm <= 0) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Please enter a valid waist circumference in cm.";
return;
}
if (isNaN(hipCm) || hipCm <= 0) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Please enter a valid hip circumference in cm.";
return;
}
// Calculate BMI
var heightM = heightCm / 100;
var bmi = weightKg / (heightM * heightM);
var bmiCategory = "";
if (bmi = 18.5 && bmi = 25.0 && bmi 94 && isMale) { // Male increased risk thresholds
waistRisk = "Increased Health Risk (Abdominal Obesity)";
} else if (waistCm > 102 && isMale) {
waistRisk = "Substantially Increased Health Risk (Abdominal Obesity)";
} else if (waistCm > 80 && !isMale) { // Female increased risk thresholds
waistRisk = "Increased Health Risk (Abdominal Obesity)";
} else if (waistCm > 88 && !isMale) {
waistRisk = "Substantially Increased Health Risk (Abdominal Obesity)";
} else {
waistRisk = "Lower Health Risk (based on waist circumference)";
}
// Calculate Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR)
var whr = waistCm / hipCm;
var whrCategory = "";
if (whr >= 0.90 && isMale) { // Male WHR risk
whrCategory = "High Risk (Android/Apple Shape)";
} else if (whr >= 0.85 && !isMale) { // Female WHR risk
whrCategory = "High Risk (Android/Apple Shape)";
} else {
whrCategory = "Lower Risk (Gynoid/Pear Shape)";
}
var resultHTML = "