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While genetics play a part in the height of a person, nutrition and environment can play a bigger role. The outcome of a recent study published in medical journals found that within a few generations, the height of migrant descendants typically catches up to the height of non-migrant children in their new country.

The study analyses the physical growth of children in different countries by pooling height and body mass index data from 193 countries. It notes that teenagers in China have achieved significant gains in height over the past decades due to the change in a healthier diet.

Nutrition plays a very important role in growth. Children without good nutrition may not be as tall as children with adequate nutrition. Nutritionists recommend that children and young people eat a varied, balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables. This will ensure that they get all the vitamins and minerals they need to thrive. Protein and calcium are particularly important for bone health and growth.

The study compares the changes in body mass index (BMI) of children and adolescents globally. Countries that have the highest BMI for both genders include the United States, New Zealand and Kuwait, while countries with the lowest include India, Bangladesh, East Timor, Ethiopia and Chad.

Having low height and low BMI is associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality, impaired cognitive development, and poorer educational performance and work productivity in later life. High BMI comes with a higher risk of disability and premature death in adulthood, as well as poorer mental health and educational outcomes, The Lancet study says.

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Researchers therefore recommend policies to support healthy growth for young people, such as implementing free school meal programmes and applying restrictions on how much processed carbohydrates a child should eat.

Info via The star

Written By Thineshkan