Secular change in adult stature has come to a halt in northern Europe and Italy

Acta Paediatr. 2006 Jun;95(6):754-5. doi: 10.1080/08035250500527323.

Abstract

Aim: To investigate whether the increase in adult stature in European countries is continuing.

Methods: The secular trend in growth after 1990 for various European countries was assessed by national conscript data.

Results: In Scandinavia and the Netherlands, the height has reached a plateau at 179-181 cm, and in Italy a plateau at 174 cm. In Belgium, Portugal and Spain, height continued to increase.

Conclusion: Only in the northern European countries and Italy height has ceased to increase.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Body Height*
  • Europe
  • Humans
  • Italy
  • Male
  • Time Factors