Abstract Introduction. Body shape has been aim of study by Medicine throughout centuries to find connections between shapes and illnesses. Methods. The objective of this systematic review was to understand the origin, as well as update empirical research, of body constitution. Results. The study of body constitution and of some other groups of physical signs (such as minor physical anomalies or joint hypermobility) provides insights into the biology of mental disorders that may result in a greater understanding of its aetiology, treatment, and prevention. Discussion. We discuss the role of body constitution in order to support psychiatric nosology, especially in differential diagnosis, through an overall or holistic "body and mind" perception.
Keywords: Somatotype; body mass index; joint hypermobility; mental disorders; minor physical anomalies.