How is Indian body type different from other ethnicities? Basically there are three types of body types all over the world: The Endomorphs, the Ectomorphs; and the Mesomorphs.
Endomorphs are the body types which have a higher tendency of accumulating fat as compared to the other body types. Other names of endomorphs are apple shaped or pear shaped body type.
Ectomorphs are the body types which are characterized as being thin. Ectomorphs have comparatively longer limbs. They have an inherent lack of capability to have fat accumulation on their bodies. Ectomorphs also have difficulty in gaining muscle.
Mesomorphs, however, have a characteristic low fat and high muscle ratio in the body; they generally have athletic body builds.
When it comes to Indians, we seem to have different bodies in comparison to people from other ethnicities. We have thin-fat body type and the tendency of our bodies is more inclined towards gaining fat than muscle. This tendency has prevented us from excelling as athletes.
Researchers and experts believe that one reason why Indians have not been able to make a mark in sports as runners is because in order to run for long distances, more body fat is required. This is because it is this fat which assists the oxidation process in our body that in turn results in better utilisation of our reserves.