What is the Average Height for Men in the US: The Tall and Short of it?
Have you ever wondered what the average height for men in the US is? The height of an individual plays an important role in daily life, from simple tasks such as reaching for something on a high shelf to more complex situations such as sports performance. In this article, we will explore the average height for men in the US, factors that impact height, and what implications height has on health and success.
Factors that Affect Height
Genetics plays the most important role in determining an individual’s height. Height is polygenic, which means it is controlled by multiple genes. A person’s height depends on the genes they inherit from their parents, as well as on environmental factors such as nutrition and physical activity. The onset of puberty also plays a crucial role in height growth, as it is during this time that the majority of height growth occurs.
Average Height for Men in the US
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average height for men aged 20 and over in the US is 69.1 inches (175.5 cm), or approximately 5 feet 9 inches. However, this average height can vary across different age groups and ethnicities.
Age-Related Changes in Height
Height tends to peak during late adolescence and early adulthood for most individuals, after which it gradually declines. For men, the peak height is typically reached by age 18.5 years on average, after which they experience a slow decline in height. By their senior years, men can expect to lose around 2 inches of their peak height.
Ethnicity and Height
Ethnicity also plays a role in average height. For instance, CDC data shows that the average height for non-Hispanic white men is 5 feet 10 inches, while it is 5 feet 9 inches for non-Hispanic black men. Additionally, Asian men tend to be shorter than both non-Hispanic white and black men, with an average height of 5 feet 8 inches.
Impact of Height on Health
Height is associated with a range of health outcomes. Taller individuals generally have a lower risk of diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. They also tend to have a longer life span than shorter individuals. However, there are some health risks associated with being very tall, such as an increased risk of certain cancers.
Success and Height
Height can also influence success in various areas of life. Numerous studies have shown that taller individuals tend to earn higher salaries and are more likely to be employed in leadership roles. This is often attributed to the perception that taller individuals are more confident and have stronger communication skills.
How to Increase Height
While genetics play the most important role in determining height, there are some steps individuals can take to help maximize their potential height. These include:
1. Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
2. Engaging in regular physical activity, particularly weight-bearing exercises that help promote bone growth.
3. Ensuring adequate sleep and rest, as growth hormone is primarily released during deep sleep.
4. Avoiding substances such as alcohol and tobacco which can impact growth and development.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the average height for men in the US?
The average height for men aged 20 and over in the US is 69.1 inches (175.5 cm), or approximately 5 feet 9 inches.
2. Does ethnicity impact height?
Yes, ethnicity can impact average height. CDC data shows that non-Hispanic white men tend to be taller than non-Hispanic black men and Asian men.
3. Can height impact health outcomes?
Yes, taller individuals tend to have a lower risk of diseases such as heart disease and diabetes, and they also have a longer life span on average.
4. Is it possible to increase height past adolescence?
There are some steps individuals can take to help maximize their potential height, including eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, getting adequate sleep, and avoiding substances that can impact growth and development.
References:
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018). Anthropometric Reference Data for Children and Adults. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhsr/nhsr122-508.pdf
2. Stulp, G., Buunk, A. P., Verhulst, S., & Pollet, T. V. (2013). Tall claims? Sense and nonsense about the importance of height of US presidents. The Leadership Quarterly, 24(1), 159-171.
3. Liao, L., Zhang, X., & Li, S. (2019). Association of height with cardiovascular risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine, 98(3), e14111.