Which Body Type Are You?

Fitness expert Kunal Sharma shows Amber Dias how to identify different body types and chart out an exercise and diet regime accordingly.

-  Amber Dias

Apples, bananas, pears and carrots – while we go about comparing our bodies to various fruits and vegetables, we don’t realise that the shape our bodies take and how we gain or lose weight is largely dependent on the functioning of various glands. When the glands are unable to function at their maximum potential, we tend to gain excess weight and the body suffers other problems. Fitness expert Kunal Sharma takes us through the four most common body types and how to rectify the symptoms.

LIVER BODY TYPE

The liver is a major organ concerned with filtration and detoxification. It also regulates digestion, sugar levels and immune system responses. If the liver is not functioning well, it could result in weight gain in the stomach and area under the rib cage. This body type usually has a craving for fried foods.

Identifiers: The ‘pot belly’ is the most distinctive feature of this body type. Other symptoms include poor joints, brown spots on the back of the hands and over the body, bloodshot eyes in morning, hives and itchiness, bloating after eating, burping or belching after eating, acid reflux, constipation, headaches, spider veins, bad breath, swelling in the ankles, irritability and moodiness.

Recommended diet: Instantly stop sugars and hidden sugars in juices, sports drinks and flavoured yoghurt. Drink as much water as you want. Herbal tea, turmeric tea and decaffeinated green tea are advisable. Avoid coffee and black tea. Avoid dairy; however, plain low fat yoghurt or cheese is acceptable. Consume lots of cruciferous vegetables - cabbage, broccoli, brussel sprouts, kale, cauliflower - as they support liver function. Protein consumption should be low.

Recommended exercise: This body type needs to focus on the midsection and strengthening the core. To trigger fat burning hormones, use high intensity-short duration workouts.