ISSA Unit 14 Body CompositionPerform a body composition assessment on a subject using one of the methods outlined in Unit 14. Discuss the methodology you used including possible deviations that could have occurred during testing. Then identify the somatotype of your subject and provide a macronutrient split recommendation for your subject based on his/her somatotype. Explain why you feel that the macronutrient split you provided is appropriate for your client. text book chapter The way your body looks is a result of your genetics and environmental factors such as training and nutrition. The genetic factor has dominant influence on your body structure inside and out. The scientist W. H. Sheldon devised a system of classifying the different human body types and called this system “somatotype.” With this system humans can be classified in three body types: Sheldon’s system uses a somatotype number with three digits on a scale from 1 to 7. The first digit refers to the degree of endomorphy the second digit refers to the degree of mesomorphy and the third digit refers to the degree of ecotmorphy. An extreme endomorph has the somatotype 711 an extreme mesomorph has the somatotype 171 and an extreme ectomorph has the somatotype 117. Most individuals have a dominant somatotype and also display some characteristics of the other two. An average person may fall somewhere around a 333 or a 444 rating. This system is useful because it helps you understand your genetic predisposition. For example on a pound for pound body-weight basis ectomorphs usually require more calories. Mesomorphs are next in line and endomorphs demand the fewest calories. If you are a determined competitive athlete you should have your somatotype determined by a trained individual. Elite world-class athletes usually have a mesomorphic rating of 5 to 7 endomorphic of 1 to 3 and ectomorphic of 4 to 1. This indicates that being predominantly mesomorphic is a common trait of elite athletes. This makes sense as mesomorphs have a higher body composition of muscle mass which is the primary tissue responsible for athletic performance. This does not mean that ectomorphs or endomorphs cannot become superior athletes; however they should use training and nutrition methods to build more muscle mass and keep percent body fat within desirable levels for their gender and sport.