The United States has achieved the title of the country with the tallest average height in the world, a remarkable achievement that few nations can match. What has contributed to such an outstanding achievement? Let’s explore all the details about the average height of Americans in the following article.
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Average Height of Americans Updated in 2024
According to the 2024 survey data from the World Population Review, the average height of American men is 175.26 cm (5 ft 9 in). While the average height of American women is slightly shorter, about 162.56 cm (5 ft 4 in). With this achievement, the United States currently ranks as the 40th tallest nation in the world.
Height of American Men and Women by State
Below are some results regarding the average height of Americans in various states, based on the annual survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with a sample of 450,000 people:
| State | Average height of men (cm) | Average height of females (cm) |
| Alabama | > 179 | 163 – 164 |
| Alaska | 177 – 179 | 163 – 164 |
| Ariszona | 177 – 179 | > 163 |
| Arkansas | 177 – 179 | 163 – 164 |
| California | 177 | > 163 |
| Colorada | 177 – 179 | 163 – 164 |
| Connecticut | 177 – 179 | > 163 |
| Delaware | 177 – 179 | 163 – 164 |
| Florida | 177 – 179 | > 163 |
| Georgia | 177 – 179 | 163 – 164 |
| Hawaii | > 177 | > 163 |
| Idaholdaho | 177-179 | 163-164 |
| IIIinoislllinois | 177-179 | 163-164 |
| IndianaIndiana | 177-179 | 163-164 |
| Iowalowa | 177-179 | >164 |
| KansasLansas | 177-179 | 163-164 |
It can be seen that the average height of Americans varies between states, but overall, the differences are not significant.
US Height Compared to the World: On a Decline Trend?
According to the latest statistics, the current average height of Americans is 175.26 cm for men and 162.56 cm for women. This level is equivalent to the global average, ranking 40th out of 201 countries.
However, it is noteworthy that compared to the past, the height of Americans is showing a declining trend. In 1850, the United States once held the position of the country with the tallest average height in the world. However, today, European countries such as the UK, Netherlands, etc., have surpassed the US in this aspect.
According to demographers from the University of Southern California, the height of Americans may have reached its peak and is unlikely to increase further.
One of the main reasons is the changes in the diet and lifestyle of Americans. A diet rich in fast food, low in nutrients, coupled with a sedentary lifestyle, spending more time on electronic devices, is believed to be the main cause leading to increased obesity and decreased average height.
Explanation for Why Americans are Tall
The impressive height achievement of the United States can be explained by the combination of various factors, including:
Genetics
Research has shown that genetic factors play a significant role in determining human height, accounting for about 23% of the total influencing factors. Other factors such as environment, nutrition, and lifestyle account for the remaining 77%.
Americans are known for their tall stature, and they have previously had a period of the tallest average height in the world. The combination of genetic factors and living environment has created favorable conditions for such a good average height of Americans.
Nutrition
Diet plays a crucial role in determining the average height of Americans. Providing adequate nutrients, vitamins, and minerals is the key factor in the height development process.
In their daily diet, Americans often consume foods such as meat, eggs, beans, various grains, green vegetables, and fruits that provide essential nutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins to ensure health and body height development.
Moreover, milk is an indispensable food in the American diet. Milk provides vitamin D, vitamin A, calcium, etc. These substances play an important role in enhancing bone health, muscle development, and contribute to height growth.
Exercise
A special feature of Western countries is their emphasis on physical activity, exercise, and sports as an important part of a healthy lifestyle. During exercise and physical activity, the body produces growth hormone (GH), an important hormone in the height development process of children and adolescents. Increased GH production supports the body’s height growth process.
Therefore, combining a balanced diet with an active lifestyle, regular physical activity, and exercise is essential to help achieve the average height of Americans and Western countries among the highest in the world. This is one of the top 5 ways to increase height for children recommended by HIUP.
Living Environment
The living environment greatly affects human health and development. When living in a healthy, clean environment free from pollution, the body will be better protected and have better conditions for comprehensive development.
An unfavorable environment, containing many bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other harmful substances, can cause many health problems, from infectious diseases to respiratory and digestive issues.
Height-Boosting Supplements
The United States is a leading country in the field of dietary supplements and healthcare. These products are not only favored by many domestic consumers but also welcomed by many other countries worldwide.
This is because the United States has the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – the regulatory agency responsible for strict supervision of these products, ensuring they meet the highest safety and quality standards.
The health support products of the United States include those for adults and children, helping the body develop comprehensively and achieve optimal height. The diversity and quality of these products have been recognized and highly evaluated by the world market.
In addition to exercise and nutrition, choosing the right type of milk also plays an important role in the process of children’s height growth. Among them, “high milk” is recommended by many nutrition experts because it contains essential nutrients that support the best development of children.
Evaluation of the Current Height of Americans
The current reality shows that the United States is not the country with the tallest average height in the world. Instead, countries like the Netherlands, the UK, and some others are experiencing very positive growth in height.
Experts also believe that the average height of Americans has reached its peak and is unlikely to grow in the future. According to a report from the National Health Statistics Center, Americans are increasingly becoming obese, and their average height tends to decrease.
The latest data from 2015 – 2016 shows that the average height of American men is 175.4 cm, with no change compared to about 20 years ago, while the weight has increased by 3-4 kg. This indicates a non-positive trend in height development among Americans.
Through this article, HIUP and readers have learned about the average height of Americans as well as the factors that determine their height. However, to achieve the ideal height for themselves and for the young generation of Vietnam, we need to change from daily habits and lifestyles.
