Humans are getting bigger primarily due to improvements in overall health and nutrition over the past two centuries.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
- Improved Nutrition: Access to more diverse and nutrient-rich diets provides the building blocks necessary for growth. This includes:
- Increased Protein Intake: Protein is crucial for muscle and bone development.
- Vitamin and Mineral Sufficiency: Essential vitamins and minerals like calcium and vitamin D play a vital role in skeletal growth.
- Better Healthcare: Advances in medicine and public health have significantly reduced childhood diseases and infections, allowing individuals to reach their full growth potential.
- Vaccination Programs: Controlling infectious diseases prevents growth stunting.
- Improved Sanitation: Reduces exposure to disease-causing pathogens.
- Socioeconomic Factors: Economic prosperity has led to:
- Greater Access to Food: Reduces malnutrition and starvation.
- Improved Living Conditions: Better housing and sanitation contribute to overall health.
- Reduced Physical Labor: A shift away from physically demanding jobs allows for more energy to be directed towards growth.
Historical Context:
Historically, data on human height is often derived from sources like:
- Military conscripts
- Convicted criminals
- Slaves
- Servants
These populations, while not fully representative, provide valuable insights into historical trends in human growth. These records show a steady increase in average height correlating with improvements in the aforementioned areas.
In summary, the increase in human size is a multi-faceted phenomenon linked to significant advancements in nutrition, healthcare, and overall living standards.
