From the Guidelines
Tall people do not necessarily die faster, as the relationship between height and longevity is complex and influenced by multiple factors. The claim that tall people die faster is not entirely accurate, and there is no direct evidence in the provided studies to support this claim 1. While some studies suggest a modest correlation between greater height and slightly reduced longevity, the relationship is not straightforward. Several biological mechanisms might explain this potential connection: taller people have more cells in their bodies, which could increase the statistical chance of cancerous mutations; they may experience greater oxidative stress due to higher metabolic demands; and their hearts must work harder to pump blood throughout a larger body. However, height is just one of many factors affecting longevity, and its impact is relatively small compared to lifestyle choices, genetics, access to healthcare, and socioeconomic factors. Some key points to consider include:
- The provided studies focus on the relationship between BMI and the risk of various health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes 1.
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to support the claim that tall people die faster.
- The relationship between height and longevity is complex and influenced by multiple factors, including lifestyle choices, genetics, access to healthcare, and socioeconomic factors.
- Many tall individuals live long, healthy lives, and being tall also correlates with certain health advantages, including lower risk of cardiovascular disease, better respiratory function, and social benefits that can positively impact health outcomes. According to the study 1, the current BMI cutpoints for overweight and obesity are associated with elevated risk of fatal CHD and combined fatal and nonfatal CHD in both men and women, but there is no direct evidence to support the claim that tall people die faster. The most important factors affecting longevity are lifestyle choices, genetics, access to healthcare, and socioeconomic factors, rather than height alone.
From the Research
Relationship Between Height and Longevity
- Studies have shown that taller individuals may have a higher risk of death due to various factors, including increased cell replication, DNA damage, and cancer incidence 2, 3, 4.
- Research has also found that shorter people tend to have lower death rates and fewer diet-related chronic diseases, especially past middle age 4, 5.
- The relationship between height and longevity may be influenced by factors such as socioeconomic status, diet, and environment 5.
Biological Factors
- Smaller bodies have been found to have reduced cell replication, lower DNA damage, and reduced cancer incidence, which may contribute to their increased longevity 2.
- Taller individuals may have higher levels of insulin-like growth factor-1, which has been linked to an increased risk of cancer and other diseases 2.
- Shorter people may have higher levels of sex hormone binding globulin and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1, which may help to protect against chronic diseases 2.
Population Studies
- A study of a nineteenth-century Dutch population found that being taller in adulthood and growing faster were significantly associated with an increased hazard of death 3.
- Another study found that shorter people tend to have longer average lifespans and lower mortality rates, even when controlling for factors such as socioeconomic status and diet 4, 5.
- A review of various population studies found that shorter stature and smaller body weight appear to promote better health and longevity in the absence of malnutrition and infectious diseases 5.