physique

Physique refers to the visible form of the human body, including its size, shape, and composition. It encompasses body build, muscular development, fat distribution, and posture. In medicine, sports science, and everyday language, physique informs assessments of fitness, health, and performance.

Etymology: The word derives from the French physique, which in turn stems from Latin physica and Greek physis meaning nature or appearance.

In fitness and competitive sports, physique often denotes the overall body form rather than extreme muscularity. In physique competitions, judges assess proportion, symmetry, conditioning, and presentation; the emphasis is on balanced aesthetics rather than maximal muscle size.

Assessment and monitoring may use body composition measures (fat versus lean mass), anthropometrics such as height, weight, and girth, and health indicators. These data help track changes from training, diet, or medical conditions.

Genetic factors, age, activity level, and nutrition influence physique. Training and diet can modify muscle tone, fat distribution, and posture, but the range of possible physiques varies among individuals.