Why Are Nepalese Shorter? The Impact of Nutrition on Height Growth
Did you know?
The Dutch are the tallest population in the world with an average height of 1.84m for men and 1.7m for women. Whereas Nepalese men only stand at about 1.64m and women are just 1.52m tall on average.
Nepalese are the fifth shortest population in the world. Ever wondered why exactly are we so short in comparison to some of these countries?
A major factor that affects a person’s height is genes, but leaving it at that is an incomplete answer. We think that height growth is just based on luck, but other factors like nutrition, especially during childhood, and environmental conditions also play a significant role.
The Role of Nutrition in Height Growth
Proper nutrition is one of the factors we have full control over. Nutrients like protein, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin D, and magnesium are essential for proper growth.
A person’s height increases only until adolescence, as growth plates are responsible for growth but fuse after this stage, stopping further height gain. This means a person has only up to adolescence to reach their maximum potential height.
Why Are Nepalese Short?
Childhood nutrition plays a vital role in determining a person’s final height. Poor nutrition in early years leads to stunted growth, meaning a child never reaches their full genetic potential.
Protein intake has been proven to be associated with the growth of children. In Nepal, undernutrition is widespread, with significant deficiencies in key nutrients crucial for a child’s growth.
According to the Nepal Demographic and Health Survey (2022):
- Stunting (low height-for-age): 25% of children under five are stunted, with 6% severely stunted.
- Wasting (low weight-for-height): 8% of children are wasted, meaning they do not gain sufficient weight.
- Underweight (low weight-for-age): 19% of children are underweight.
- Micronutrient Deficiencies: 43% of children suffer from anemia, a sign of poor nutrition.
- Breastfeeding and Diet: Only 56% of infants are exclusively breastfed for the first six months, and only 43% of children aged 6-23 months receive a minimum acceptable diet.
How Does Nepal Compare to Taller Countries?
Let’s compare Nepal’s nutritional intake to countries with taller populations, such as the Netherlands or Scandinavian countries.
| Factor | Nepal | Netherlands |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Intake | Low, due to reliance on grains and lentils | High due to dairy, meat, and seafood |
| Calcium Intake | Limited Dairy Consumption | High dairy consumption |
| Zinc and Magnesium | Low, less consumption of nuts, seeds, and seafood | High, due to nuts, seafood, and fortified grains |
| General Diet | Predominantly rice and lentils, minimal animal protein | Balanced, with dairy, protein, and vegetables |
| Health Care | Poor especially in rural areas | Extremely high quality |
The Dutch consume higher levels of dairy, proteins, and vitamins that contribute to strong bones and optimal height growth, which has been continued for many generations. In contrast, Nepalese children suffer from a lack of dietary diversity, limited protein sources, and micronutrient deficiencies, which severely impact height growth.
The protein intake in Nepal is especially dire. The diet is heavily based on rice, lentils (dal), and vegetables. While lentils provide some protein, the intake of high-quality protein sources like meat, eggs, and dairy is relatively low, especially in rural areas. Milk, dairy products, and protein-rich foods are not a staple in the Nepali diet due to affordability issues.
Note: There is also a misconception about lentils being a good source of protein. While lentils provide 26g of protein in every 100g, the way we consume them makes a difference. After cooking, 100g of lentils is used for about 6 servings, meaning to get all 26g of protein from lentils, we would have to consume 6 servings.
What Can Parents Do to Support Their Child’s Growth?
Parents play a crucial role in ensuring that their children receive proper nutrition and grow to their full potential. Here are some key steps they can take:
- Provide a Balanced Diet – Ensure children consume a diet rich in calcium, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Include dairy, eggs, meat, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables in their daily meals.
- Encourage Protein-Rich Foods – Include foods like eggs, meat, lentils, soy, and dairy products that provide enough protein for muscle and bone development.
- Increase Dairy Products – Dairy products are excellent sources of calcium, which is crucial for bone growth. Even the Netherlands is one of the major dairy producers in the EU.
- Ensure Adequate Sunlight Exposure – Encourage children to play outdoors to get natural vitamin D from sunlight.
- Promote Physical Activity – Physical activities like sports can help improve posture, strengthen bones, and maximize growth potential.
- Ensure Proper Sleep – Make sure your children get 8-10 hours of sleep every night.
- Monitor Health and Nutrition – Regular checkups with a doctor and monitoring children’s growth progress can help identify any nutritional deficiencies early.
- Focus on Maternal Nutrition – Proper nutrition during pregnancy plays a key role in a child’s future height. Expecting mothers should consume enough protein, iron, and calcium to support fetal growth.
How can Doctors House Call Service Nepal help?
We at Doctors House Call are working 24x7 to provide you with the best health service at home in the Kathmandu Valley. One of our services is Nutrition and Diet Consultation at home.
We can arrive at your home or contact you digitally for consultations. Our dieticians will help with nutrition and diet plans for any age group. Our dieticians are highly experienced and ensure that you receive the best health service that you deserve.
Whether it is your child’s growth, fat loss journey, or another step towards a healthier lifestyle, with our affordable pricing and 24-hour availability, we are here to help you become the best version of yourself.
Contact us NOW and gain access to the best dieticians and pediatricians at the ease of your home.
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