Which body type has wide hips? Understanding Somatotypes and Body Shape

September 27, 2025 •

4 min read

First theorized in the 1940s, the concept of somatotypes classifies human bodies into three main types based on composition. This classification helps explain common traits, such as determining which body type has wide hips due to genetic and metabolic factors.

Quick Summary

The endomorph somatotype is most commonly associated with a wider hip structure and a higher percentage of body fat, often corresponding to a pear or hourglass body shape, which is largely influenced by hormonal and genetic factors.

Key Points

Endomorph Somatotype: The endomorph body type is most commonly associated with a wider hip structure and a tendency to store fat in the hips, thighs, and lower body.
Pear and Hourglass Shapes: Both the pear-shaped body (hips wider than shoulders) and the hourglass figure (hips and bust balanced) are defined by wide hips, stemming from genetic and hormonal factors.
Genetics and Bone Structure: Your skeletal frame, including pelvic width, is largely determined by your genes and cannot be altered by exercise or diet alone.
Estrogen's Influence: The hormone estrogen plays a significant role in fat distribution in women, promoting fat storage in the hips and thighs, especially during and after puberty.
Lifestyle Management: While you can't change your bone structure, diet and exercise are critical for managing overall body composition and promoting general health, regardless of your body type.

The Endomorph: The Primary Answer to Wide Hips

While everyone's body is unique, the classic endomorph somatotype is the one most closely associated with having wider hips. This body type is characterized by a higher body fat percentage and a predisposition to store fat in the lower body, including the hips, thighs, and lower abdomen. Endomorphs often have a stockier bone structure and a slower metabolism, which contributes to this overall composition.

Key Endomorph Characteristics

Bone Structure: Often have a wider bone structure and a larger frame overall.
Metabolism: A slower metabolism makes it easier to gain weight and harder to lose it.
Fat Distribution: Fat storage tends to be concentrated in the hips, thighs, and midsection.
Body Shape: Commonly corresponds to the pear or hourglass body shape, both of which are defined by wider hips.

Beyond Somatotypes: The Role of Body Shape

While somatotypes provide a general framework, most people don't fit perfectly into a single category. Most individuals are a blend of characteristics from all three somatotypes. Therefore, it is also useful to consider specific body shapes, especially in women, which often give a clearer picture of fat and muscle distribution.

The Pear-Shaped Body

This body shape, frequently linked to the endomorph somatotype, is defined by hips that are wider than the bust and shoulders. A person with a pear shape typically has a smaller upper body and a larger, fuller lower body, with fat tending to accumulate around the hips and thighs.

The Hourglass Figure

An hourglass figure is characterized by a bust and hips that are roughly the same width, with a clearly defined, narrower waist. This shape, while balanced, also features wide hips. Weight gain is often evenly distributed throughout the body, though the hips and thighs are a primary area for fat storage.

The Scientific Factors Influencing Hip Width

Understanding why some people have naturally wider hips requires looking beyond just a body type classification. Genetics and hormonal influences play a significant role in determining bone structure and fat distribution.

Genetic Blueprint for Your Frame

Genetics are a primary determinant of your bone structure, including the width of your pelvic bone. If members of your family tend to have broader hips, there is a higher probability that you will as well. A study on genetic variants for adult hip shape showed these influences are evident as early as adolescence. While fat can be gained or lost, the underlying skeletal framework is inherited and cannot be changed through diet or exercise.

The Power of Hormones

For women, hormonal shifts, especially during puberty, are a major factor in the development of wide hips. Estrogen, the primary female sex hormone, plays a key role in influencing fat distribution and encouraging fat storage around the hips and thighs. Higher estrogen levels are associated with a curvier, wider-hipped silhouette. Hormonal changes, such as those during menopause, can also cause fat to redistribute from the hips to the abdominal area, altering a person's body shape over time.

Lifestyle's Impact on Body Composition

While genetics determine the potential for hip width, lifestyle factors like diet and exercise influence body composition and fat storage. For example, a sedentary lifestyle or poor diet can lead to increased fat accumulation in areas predisposed to it, such as the hips for endomorphs. Conversely, a healthy diet and regular exercise can help manage body fat, but will not change the fundamental bone structure that gives you wide hips in the first place. For more information on how lifestyle can influence weight and health, you can read about genetic influences on weight.

Comparison of Body Shapes and Their Characteristics


Feature	Pear Shape	Hourglass Figure	Apple Shape
Hips	Wider than bust/shoulders	Similar width to bust	Narrower than midsection
Waist	Clearly defined	Clearly defined and narrow	Not clearly defined
Shoulders	Smaller than hips	Similar width to hips	Narrower than midsection
Fat Distribution	Hips, thighs, and buttocks	Evenly distributed (can favor hips)	Midsection (abdomen)
Key Trait	Larger lower half	Balanced curves	Fuller midsection

Managing Your Health, Regardless of Body Shape

Knowing your body type is not about fitting into a rigid category but about understanding your natural tendencies and how to support your body's health. For those with a predisposition for storing fat in the lower body (like endomorphs or pear shapes), focusing on overall health is key.

Exercise Recommendations

Strength Training: Builds muscle, which helps boost metabolism. Focus on a balanced full-body routine rather than solely targeting problem areas.
Cardiovascular Exercise: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) and consistent cardio can help with weight management and overall health.
Consistency: Regular, sustainable exercise is far more beneficial than sporadic, intense workouts.

Nutritional Guidance

Protein and Fiber: A diet high in lean protein and fiber can help with satiety and muscle repair.
Carbohydrates: Focus on complex carbohydrates from whole grains and vegetables while limiting refined sugars.
Healthy Fats: Incorporate healthy fats from sources like avocados and nuts.
Calorie Balance: As with any body type, managing caloric intake to match your activity level is crucial for weight management.

Conclusion: Embracing Your Unique Shape

Ultimately, which body type has wide hips is a question with a complex answer involving genetics, hormones, and body composition. The endomorph and pear body shapes are most commonly associated with this trait, but the underlying bone structure and fat distribution are highly individualized. Instead of striving for an 'ideal' body type, focusing on a healthy lifestyle tailored to your body's needs is the most effective and sustainable approach to wellness. Appreciate your unique figure and focus on what makes you feel strong and healthy.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, wide hips are not only caused by body fat. Your bone structure and pelvic width are largely determined by genetics and hormones. While body fat can contribute to the size of your hips, the underlying skeletal frame is the primary factor.

Yes, while wider hips are more typical in females due to estrogen, some men can also have wider hips. This is a result of natural genetic variation in bone structure, similar to how other physical traits can vary person to person.

An endomorph is a somatotype, a general body classification based on overall body composition and metabolism. A pear body shape is a more specific description of fat distribution, where the hips are wider than the shoulders. An endomorph often has a pear shape, but not all people with a pear shape are pure endomorphs.

You cannot change your inherent bone structure or genetic predisposition, which define your basic somatotype. However, you can significantly alter your body composition by changing your diet and exercise habits, increasing muscle mass, and reducing body fat.

Exercise can help manage overall body composition by building muscle and reducing body fat, which can affect the appearance of your hips. However, it cannot change your fundamental hip bone structure. Strength training and cardiovascular exercise are beneficial for overall health.

Hormones, particularly estrogen, play a crucial role in fat storage distribution. Higher estrogen levels, especially during puberty, encourage the body to store fat around the hips and thighs, contributing to a wider, curvier shape in women.

A balanced diet that focuses on lean protein, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and high fiber is generally recommended. For individuals who tend to store fat in their hips (often endomorphs), managing overall calorie intake and focusing on nutritious, unprocessed foods can help manage body composition.