Each person is born with features already programmed by the genotype, such features are also characteristic of the shape and size of the body, as well as the proportions of its individual parts.
This is the physique (or constitution). Distinguish between hypersthenic, normosthenic and asthenic physique. Proportions and body sizes are determined using anthropometric studies. In anthropometry, there are separate subsections that are engaged in the study of certain parts of the body. So craniometry measures the size of the skull, osteometry examines the size of the human skeleton. When talking about body types, somatometric studies (which are part of the anthropometry described above) are most often meant, which are mainly represented by measuring growth, waist circumference, chest circumference, diameters and body weight.
What is an asthenic physique?
Today, as mentioned above, there are a huge number of different somatotyping options, in our country the most common is the classification of somatotypes according to Chernorutsky.
Based on her data, the normosthenic type of physique is characterized by an average level of development of the musculoskeletal system and proportional body size. Asthenic physique is characterized by a clear predominance of body length over width, limb length compared to the length of the body. Such a physique is characterized by a weak development of the muscular system. The body of asthenics is distinguished by special harmony and often thinness.
Hypersthenic, in contrast to asthenic physique, is a peculiar opposite, with a relative predominance of transverse dimensions over the length of the body. People with such a physique are characterized by some fatness, the size of the abdomen clearly prevails over the size of the chest.
Like any other type of physique, an asthenic physique is nothing more than genetically programmed, inherited and transmitted from generation to generation characteristic dispositions and characteristics of the body proportions.
Why are body types necessary , and what use do they find in people's daily lives?
Firstly, depending on the physique, the level of metabolic activity (metabolic rate) is determined. This information is used by both doctors and nutritionists in the preparation of diets.
Secondly, there is a certain predisposition of people of one type or another to a certain number of diseases. So asthenic physique indicates a person's predisposition to gastritis, gastric ulcer, as well as the occurrence of tuberculosis. Doctors noticed that the latter is much more severe in asthenics than in individuals with other somatotypes.
Hypersthenics are characterized by diseases of the cardiovascular system, cholelithiasis, metabolic disorders. Among metabolic disorders in hypersthenics, there is a serious risk of developing diabetes.
Dependence of the development of a particular pathology has been proven in clinical trials. Today, doctors around the world know that even blood counts in people of different somatotype are different, for example, elevated blood cholesterol in hypersthenics or increased blood oxygen saturation in asthenics.
All these features indicate a subtle connection between the constitution of the body and possible diseases. Given these predispositions, modern medicine allows for the early diagnosis of a developing disease even at the stage of hidden clinical manifestations. Such an early identification allows not only successful treatment, but also prevention with visible success.