Here is some information on the Sheldon somatotype scales, from
Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle:
Rating body types
Although there are three basic categories, pure body types are very rare. Few
people are 100% of one body type and 0% of another. Usually there is a mix of two or even all three types. However, most people will tend to gravitate towards one type predominantly.
In order to more accurately classify people, Sheldon developed a 7-point scale to determine the degree to which each person held attributes of each body type. The first number ranks the endomorph component; the second number the mesomorph, and the third the ectomorph. For example, an extreme endomorph would score 7-1-1:
Endomorph 7
Mesomorph 1
Ectomorph 1
A pure mesomorph such as a world champion bodybuilder who gains muscle
easily and was lean and muscular before ever touching a weight might score 1-7-1:
Endomorph 1
Mesomorph 7
Ectomorph 1
Combination body types
Combination body types are more common than pure body types. For example,
someone who gains muscle easily, but who also tends to gain fat along with the muscle is an endomorphic mesomorph (endo-me omorph). This body type is typical of football linemen, heavyweight wrestlers, shot-putters and many bodybuilders. This is the type of person with high levels of muscle, but the muscle is often covered with a layer of fat. Someone with this body type might score 5-6-1:
Endomorph 5
Mesomorph 6
Ectomorph 1
Another example is the ectomorphic mesomorph (ecto-mesomorph). This is the
type of person without an ounce of fat and with some fairly substantial muscle
development on a tall and linear frame. Basketball players often have ecto-mesomorph body types. An ecto-meso (think Michael Jordan) might score 1-4-5:
Endomorph 1
Mesomorph 4
Ectomorph 5
Examples:
For example, Olympic sprinter Michael Johnson is very mesomorphic (5) with
very muscular arms, shoulders and chest. He also has a moderate ectomorphic component (4) with small joints and very low body fat. There is no sign of any endomorphy (1) whatsoever. Johnson would probably score a 1-5-4.
A bodybuilder like Arnold Schwarzenegger is almost pure mesomorph (7) with
low body fat and massive muscles. Because of his height and long limbs, he has a small ectomorph component (2). He also seemed to get quite bulky in the off-season, indicating a slight endomorph component as well (2). I would rate Arnold a 2-7-2.
<end quote>
--------------------------------
With high insulin resistance, it is entirely possible to develop an endo/ecto body type, affectionately referred to as an "apple on sticks," or a "spider body."
Emily