Governments worldwide have developed height standards, which have been an essential part of physical examination. Despite height being considered non-discriminatory, there have been fluctuations in demographics among different ethnic groups.
One of the most constantly queried puzzles is why the Chinese are tall? A study conducted in 2018, looking at the genetics of 14,000 Chinese people shed light on some of the contributing factors for the increase in height among the Chinese population.
Why Are Chinese getting Taller?
The study revealed that the average Chinese person stands 5ft 6in tall. This figure is two inches taller in comparison to their European counterparts and puts them in the top-10 tallest nations on the planet.
The Chinese, in the last 100 years, have grown by an extraordinary 8cm. The data and statistics support the theory that economic and lifestyle changes have been key attributers of the extended height increases among the population. But why are the Chinese taller than others?
One of the main reasons is the general improvement in living standards in the later part of the 20th century. These improvements increased the likelihood of Chinese children being fed nutritious meals, along with the introduction of vaccinations and antibiotics to further support their physical development.
Despite the improved lifestyle, genetics is still considered to be one of the main reasons for the observed differences in heights. Some of the most commonly observed genetic characteristics for the Chinese population includes sharper noses and thinner eyes than their European counterparts.
Genetic Researchers on Chinese Stature
Both genetic and scientific researchers studied the height of both male and female Chinese people from different African and European backgrounds. They found evidence of genetic mutations affecting the development of stature. A wealth of information indicated that East Asians have a greater genetic propensity to grow taller, than other ethnicities.
It is believed that these genetic mutations occurred thousands of years ago and continue to manifest in modern-day Chinese people. These genetic heights do not come without risks, however.
Chinese people with these mutations are observed to have higher risks of health problems such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes. In addition, they are also more prone to developing ovarian and breast cancer, due to the increased levels of certain hormones.
Social Perception of Tall Chinese People
Whilst being tall is usually seen as a positive physical attribute, Chinese people who reach above-average heights have faced some discrimination within both their culture and the broader global community. As a result, some Chinese individuals may feel self-conscious about their physical size. It is not all bad news, however, because the rising height within the Chinese population may correlate to increased self-confidence that has been seen in Chinese culture.
Consequently, taller Chinese people have become increasingly influential and popular in media and music. A major challenge faced by tall Chinese people is finding clothes that fit correctly.
Most of the clothing made in China is made for an average-height stature, which is below average for most tall Chinese people. As a result, tall Chinese people are forced to buy imported clothes online, or shop in extra-large stores.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a number of interrelated factors have contributed to the increased height of the Chinese population in the last hundred years. This is due to the improved quality lifestyle, leaving Chinese children in a much healthier and stronger environment to grow. Additionally, because of Chinese’s genes, they seem to be more adapted to grow taller than other ethnicities.
Finally, they may face certain discomfort in relation to being taller, however, on the positive side, they are seen as more influential in society.