The human metabolism is one of the most intriguing mysteries out there. Why is it that some people don't get fat regardless of what they eat while some people just cannot lose any weight regardless of how hard they try? Different people have different types of metabolisms that normally fall into 3 categories. Identifying which category you fall under may help you finally conquer your weight once and for all.

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1. Ectomorph
   Ectomorphs are hypermetabolic. You know, your friend who is constantly complaining about how she cannot gain weight no matter what she does. "High school skinny" seems to last forever for some people and these are the ectomorphs. This is a real term commonly used for hard gainers, or people with extremely fast metabolisms who struggle to maintain any kind of muscle or fat.
   
   If you aren't an ectomorph, stop scoffing; everyone struggles. Ectomorphs need to do the opposite of what most people do. You need to eat more and do little to no cardio. Workout 3-5 times a week and focus on lifting heavy weights and progressively gaining strength, which eventually will equal size. Instead of the generic 13 calories per pound of body weight, you can afford to eat 20-25 of clean calories from lean protein, complex carbs, and healthy fat. Lifting weights will ensure you gain beautiful muscle instead of unsightly body fat.
   
   
2. Mesomorph
   Mesomorphs are naturally fit people. These people are usually very athletic and don't tend to struggle with their weight even as they age.
   
   Don't take your gift for granted. It is still necessary to eat a clean, balanced diet because no one is exempt from what bodybuilding.com's Paul Becker calls "slow creeping fat." It may take longer for mesomorphs, but it will eventually get you. To fight low creeping fat, be sure to workout 3-4 times a week. Hit the weights to maintain your muscle, and maybe gain some if you like. Be sure to consume plenty of protein to keep your metabolism high and you'll be the envy of all your peers, even in the nursing home.
   
   
3. Endomorph
   This is the category which most of us belong to. Endomorphs have no trouble putting on weight, it's keeping it off that's the problem. There will be no going back for seconds for this group.
   
   Endomorphs need to focus on consistency. Adopt a weight training regimen and stick to it. Aim for 3-5 times a week. Resist the urge to just do cardio for hours a day. You don't want to burn away the muscle you do have and your metabolism will not respond kindly to over-training. Instead, take a balanced approach by combining weight training and cardio along with a clean diet and you should be able to properly manage your weight.