Hey there, short kings! It turns out your height might actually have some hidden perks.
While being tall has its benefits—like reaching the top shelf or seeing over crowds—research suggests that shorter people may enjoy surprising health advantages. This may even lead to a longer life!
Interestingly, the average height in the U.S. has been decreasing since the 1980s. Today, American men average around 5 feet 9 inches, while women are about 5 feet 3.5 inches, according to CDC data.
If you’re on the shorter side, don’t worry! Here are four reasons your stature might be working in your favor.
1. Lower Cancer Risk
Research shows a link between height and cancer risk. A 2014 Swedish study found that for every 10 centimeters in height, the risk of cancer increases by 18% for women and 11% for men. Taller women face a particularly higher risk of breast cancer, while taller individuals are also more susceptible to melanoma.
One reason could be that taller people have more cells, which might lead to more mutations. An analysis from the World Cancer Research Fund indicates that taller people might develop cancers in various organs, such as the pancreas and kidneys.
2. Reduced Risk of Blood Clots
Another plus for shorter folks! A 2017 study analyzed over two million siblings and found that shorter individuals are less likely to develop dangerous blood clots. Men shorter than 5 feet 3 inches had a 65% lower risk compared to men over 6 feet 2 inches. Similarly, women under 5 feet 1 inch had a 69% lower risk than taller women.
The idea here is that longer legs mean longer blood vessels, which can slow blood flow back to the heart—this might elevate the risk of clots. Dr. Bengt Zöller, the study’s lead author, noted that including height in evaluations for blood clots might be beneficial.
3. Less Likely to Suffer Hip Fractures
For older adults, hip fractures can be especially dangerous—sometimes more than cancer. A 2016 meta-analysis showed that taller people are at a greater risk for hip fractures. One explanation is that taller individuals have a higher center of gravity, making them more prone to falls.
4. Greater Longevity
Shorter people might have a longer lifespan, averaging two to five years more than taller individuals. One study found that shorter men often carry a protective form of a longevity gene called FOXO3. Dr. Bradley Willcox, involved in the research, highlighted that shorter participants lived the longest.
Another study noted that smaller bodies tend to experience fewer chronic illnesses, especially after reaching middle age. However, experts say more research is needed to fully understand these links between height and health.
Don’t lose heart if you’re tall, though! Lifestyle choices—like a balanced diet, regular exercise, enough sleep, and a healthy weight—can significantly influence your lifespan, regardless of your height.
In summary, being shorter may have unexpected health benefits. Next time you feel down about your height, remember that it might just be working in your favor!
Source link
Health,Weird But True,aging,blood,bones,cancer,longevity,study says
