ABSTRACT
The Somatogram describes an individual’s body build or physique. Specifically, the Somatogram uses circumference measures (the distance around a landmark on the body) to determine the distribution of tissues on the body when compared to that of the average (or “normal”) adult male or female. 1 For example, it is likely that a weightlifter would have proportionally larger biceps, forearms, shoulders, calves, and chest than the average person. An obese individual, however, may deviate from average by having larger than normal abdominal, hips, and thigh circumferences, while a person who is chronically underweight would likely have a proportionally small abdomen circumference, but large wrist, knee, and ankle circumferences relative to total body measurements. 1 Thus, the Somatogram characterizes the various segments (limbs and torso) of the body based on what is considered proportional for adults. This is accomplished by dividing circumference measures by “segmental constant” values that represent what is average for each site. Segmental constants differ for males and females, because of their unique body build characteristics.
