Which body shape is rare? The truth about genetic variation

September 21, 2025 •

4 min read

While the hourglass figure is often cited as the rarest body shape, the truth is far more complex and individual. This article delves into the fascinating role of genetics and debunks popular misconceptions to answer the question: Which body shape is rare?

Quick Summary

The concept of a single "rarest" body shape is misleading, as genetic factors create immense individual variation. While some studies suggest the hourglass is less common than rectangular or pear shapes, the focus on a single ideal is both unscientific and unhealthy. The reality is that body shape is determined by a complex interplay of genetics, lifestyle, and fat distribution, making every single body inherently unique. Understanding this can help shift focus from a comparative ideal to a more holistic view of health.

Key Points

Hourglass is not the 'Rarest': Despite popular belief, studies show the hourglass shape is not as rare as once thought, and the concept of a single 'rarest' shape is misleading.
Genetics Dictate Shape: Body shape is largely determined by genetics, influencing bone structure and fat distribution.
Common Shapes Vary by Study: Research indicates that shapes like the rectangle and pear are more common than the hourglass in certain populations.
Health is Not About Shape: The health risks associated with certain shapes depend more on fat distribution (like abdominal fat) rather than the shape category itself.
Embrace Your Unique Body: Every body is unique due to genetic variation, and the healthiest approach is to focus on overall wellness rather than striving for an arbitrary ideal.
Body Shapes Are a Simplification: The classification system of body shapes (e.g., apple, pear, rectangle) is a social construct that oversimplifies the complex reality of human bodies.

Understanding the Myth of the “Rarest” Body Shape

The idea that certain body shapes are rare, and therefore more desirable, is largely a modern invention, fueled by fashion and beauty standards. For years, the hourglass figure has been held up as the ideal, leading to the misconception that it is the rarest and most coveted form. However, a landmark study from North Carolina State University in 2005 debunked this myth, finding that only a small percentage of women naturally fit the narrow definition of an hourglass shape. Most people actually exhibit a mix of characteristics, and the classification system itself is a simplification of natural human diversity.

The Reality of Body Shape Genetics

Human body shape is primarily determined by genetics, which influence everything from bone structure to where the body stores fat. While environmental factors like diet and exercise can influence size and composition, they cannot fundamentally change the underlying genetic predisposition. This is why identical twins often share similar body shapes, even with slightly different lifestyles. Body shape is a complex trait, and our tendency to categorize it into simple geometric forms (e.g., apple, pear, rectangle) oversimplifies a deeply individual biological process.

Deconstructing the Most Cited Shapes

While no single body shape is definitively "rare" on a global scale, the statistics from studies on fat distribution and skeletal structure offer insights into what is less common within specific populations. For instance, the 2005 study mentioned earlier found that the rectangular shape was most common, followed by the pear, and then the apple, with the hourglass being the least represented among the participants.

Rectangle (Banana): Characterized by a relatively straight alignment of the bust, waist, and hips. This is one of the most common shapes.
Pear (Triangle): Defined by hips and thighs that are wider than the bust and shoulders. Fat is predominantly stored in the lower body.
Apple (Round/Oval): Distinguished by a larger midsection, with weight tending to be carried around the abdomen.
Hourglass: Features a balanced bust and hips, with a defined, narrower waist. While often considered rare, the specific proportions can vary widely.
Inverted Triangle: The opposite of the pear, with shoulders or bust broader than the hips.

A Comparative Look at Body Shape Features


Feature	Hourglass	Rectangle	Pear	Apple	Inverted Triangle
Shoulders	Similar to hips	Similar to bust and hips	Narrower than hips	Broader than hips	Wider than hips
Waist	Defined, smaller	Not well-defined	Defined, but not as dramatic	Not well-defined	Not well-defined
Hips	Similar to bust	Similar to bust and waist	Wider than bust and shoulders	Narrower than bust	Narrower than bust
Weight Distribution	Proportional	Evenly distributed	Lower body	Abdomen	Upper body

The Health Implications: Beyond Shape Categories

From a health perspective, focusing on shape classifications can be misleading. What matters more is where a person stores fat, not their overall shape. For example, studies have shown that excess fat stored in the abdominal region (common in the "apple" shape) is associated with higher risks of heart disease and type 2 diabetes than fat stored in the hips and thighs. However, recent research also challenges this, showing that fat in the thighs can also pose risks. The key takeaway is that health is not a matter of shape but of overall body composition and lifestyle. People of any shape can be healthy, and people of any shape can be at risk for health issues. The antiquated notion of a "healthy body type" is a dangerous myth that overlooks individual health metrics and promotes comparison. The conversation should shift from shape to overall wellness, encompassing nutrition, activity, mental health, and access to care. For comprehensive information on overall health, visit the World Health Organization.

Embracing Your Unique Form

Ultimately, the idea of a rare body shape is a social construct, not a biological reality. Each person’s body is a unique blend of genetic traits, and the attempt to categorize them into a few simple shapes does not honor this diversity. Instead of fixating on whether a particular body type is rare or ideal, it is more beneficial to focus on individual health and self-acceptance. Your body is a unique, dynamic form, and its value is not determined by its shape or proportion relative to others. The most important thing is to cultivate healthy habits that make you feel strong and confident in your own skin, regardless of the classification.

Conclusion: Redefining the Conversation

In conclusion, the quest to find out which body shape is rare is a journey into myth, not medicine. While some figures like the hourglass are statistically less common in some populations, genetic variation ensures every body is a unique tapestry of traits. A healthy mindset involves appreciating this individuality rather than chasing an idealized, and often unattainable, standard. True health is defined by overall wellness, not by fitting into a predefined category or being considered rare.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your body shape is primarily determined by genetics, which dictate your skeletal structure and how your body stores fat. Environmental factors like diet and exercise can influence your overall size, but not your fundamental shape.

The hourglass figure is often cited as rare, but the reality is more complex. Studies have found it to be less common than other shapes like the rectangle or pear, but the idea of a single "rarest" shape is an oversimplification.

Your body shape itself is not the determining factor for your health. What matters more is where your body stores fat. Excess abdominal fat (common in the 'apple' shape) is linked to higher health risks, but healthy habits are more important than your shape category.

You can change your body's size and composition through exercise and diet, such as building muscle or losing fat. However, you cannot fundamentally change your underlying genetic bone structure or fat storage pattern, which define your basic shape.

Yes, beyond the common fashion-based classifications (apple, pear, etc.), there is the Sheldon somatotype system, which categorizes bodies into ectomorph (lean), mesomorph (muscular), and endomorph (larger). However, many people are a combination of these types.

Focusing on a 'rare' body shape promotes the unhealthy idea that one body type is more desirable or valuable than others. All bodies are unique and valid, and prioritizing one type can negatively impact body image and self-esteem.

While the focus is often on female body types, men also have different shapes influenced by genetics. A rectangular shape is common, while the "ideal" mesomorph (muscular and athletic) may be less common naturally and often pursued through lifestyle.