Dear Liz:

I am interested in finding more information on mesomorphs, ectomorphs and endomorphs. I had a doctor tell me once that I was "progesterone dominant" and therefore needed to exercise very intensely, six out of seven days, in order to lose weight and maintain the weight loss. I have not been about to find any information on progesterone-dominant women or anything comparable. Can you help me out?
--cindy.jt

Dear Cindy:

Progesterone dominance is a new one on me. I know what the words "progesterone" and "dominance" mean -- just not when you put them together. I am assuming he was telling you that you would have to work hard in order to keep your weight down and your body toned.

• Ectomorphs are generally small-framed and thin. Their shoulders and hips are generally narrow. They have trouble gaining weight and building muscle. Ectomorphs should do enough cardio exercise to work their heart and lungs but not so much if they are concerned about building muscle and maintaining weight. Weight workouts should be on the heavier side if the goal is to build muscle. Weight training the upper body is helpful to keep proportions more even. Generally, lighter weights and more reps do the trick.
  
  
• Mesomorphs tend to be of normal weight, neither fat nor skinny. They tend to pack on muscle easily and can lose weight easily up to a certain point. It is hard for them to become "skinny." Generally, their shoulders are wider than their hips. Mesomorphs should do longer-duration, higher-intensity cardio work if the goal is to lose weight. Building muscle is easy, but if the goal is not to gain size then moderately heavier weights and higher reps will be the way to go during weight-training sessions.
  
  
• Endomorphs tend to be pear-shaped, meaning their hips are usually wider than their shoulders. They gain weight easily and tend to be curvier than the other body types.

Most of us aren't purely one body type or another; we are a combination of at least two. That means you're going to have to adjust your workout to strike the right balance of exercise and diet. I find it helps to keep a food and workout diary so you can more easily analyze what works and what doesn't.

I hope this information helps.

Liz Neporent

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