Bodetüüp

Bodetüüp refers to a concept in somatotyping, a system for classifying human body types. The term itself is a portmanteau derived from the surname of the psychologist William Herbert Sheldon, who developed the most well-known somatotyping system, and the German word "Typ" meaning type. Sheldon proposed that human beings could be categorized into three fundamental body types, or somatotypes, based on their relative proportions of three germ layers that develop during embryogenesis: endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm.

The first somatotype, endomorph, is characterized by a rounded, soft physique with a tendency to store fat. The second, mesomorph, is typically athletic, muscular, and well-proportioned. The third, ectomorph, is usually linear, slender, and has difficulty gaining weight or muscle. Sheldon's theory posited that most individuals are a combination of these three types, represented by a three-digit number indicating the degree to which they possess each characteristic. For example, a 4-3-3 would indicate a person with a moderate endomorphic component, a significant mesomorphic component, and a moderate ectomorphic component.

While Bodetüüp and Sheldon's somatotyping system were influential, they have also faced criticism regarding their scientific validity, reliability, and potential for oversimplification of human physical variation. Modern understanding of body composition and human diversity tends to favor more nuanced approaches that consider a wider range of genetic and environmental factors.