Is there an association between increased stature in males and reduced lifespan?

From the Guidelines

Tall males do not have a significantly shorter lifespan based on the provided evidence, which focuses on the relationship between lifestyle factors, weight, and cancer prognosis, rather than height and lifespan directly. The relationship between height and lifespan is complex and influenced by multiple biological factors, but the provided studies do not directly address this topic. However, it's essential to consider that factors such as weight, physical activity, and diet play a significant role in determining lifespan, as shown in the studies 1. For instance, the study 1 highlights the importance of physical activity in cancer survivors, with a significant decrease in cancer-specific and overall mortality in individuals who completed 18 MET-h/wk physical activity. Similarly, the study 1 emphasizes the need for weight reduction in obese individuals (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) and recommends restriction of total calorie intake and physical exercise as the cornerstones of weight control. Key points to consider include:

• The importance of physical activity in reducing mortality and morbidity
• The need for weight reduction in obese individuals
• The role of diet and lifestyle choices in determining lifespan
• The potential influence of growth hormone pathways on longevity It's crucial to prioritize a healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight, to minimize the risk of chronic diseases and promote overall well-being, regardless of height.

From the Research

Relationship Between Height and Longevity in Males

• Studies have investigated the correlation between height and longevity, with some suggesting that taller males may have a shorter lifespan 2, 3, 4, 5.
• A 1992 study found that men of height 175.3 cm or less lived an average of 4.95 years longer than those of height over 175.3 cm, while men of height 170.2 cm or less lived 7.46 years longer than those of at least 182.9 cm 3.
• Another study published in 2003 noted that shorter people appear to have longer average lifespans, and suggested that the differences in longevity between the sexes may be due to their height differences 4.
• A review of life expectancy, mortality, and longevity data related to height and body size found that shorter people generally have greater longevity than taller people, with extensive animal research supporting human longevity findings 5.

Contrasting Findings

• However, a more recent study published in 2024 found a negative but very weak correlation between adult height and longevity in both men and women, suggesting that the relationship between height and longevity is tenuous 6.
• This study found that after eliminating the effects of secular trends in height, the correlation between height and longevity was very weak but significant, and did not support the hypothesis that taller individuals have a longevity advantage 6.

Biological Factors

• Several biological factors may explain the inherent benefits of smaller bodies, including reduced cell replication, lower DNA damage, and reduced cancer incidence 2.
• Other beneficial factors associated with smaller body size include higher sex hormone binding globulin, higher insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1, lower insulin, and lower insulin-like growth factor-1 2.