2023-08-24 15:33:23
Title: Body Size Linked to Disease Risk, Study Confirms
Status: 08/24/2023, 09:30 a.m
By: Laura Knops
Body size has been confirmed to have a significant influence on the risk of developing various diseases, in addition to environmental factors and lifestyle choices. According to a recent study, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer are all related to body size. This newfound understanding sheds light on why body size and an unhealthy lifestyle play a major role in disease susceptibility, and which individuals are particularly at risk.
Germans are experiencing a steady increase in average height, with men growing from an average of 1.67 meters in 1896 to almost 1.80 meters in 2017. Similarly, women have increased by ten centimeters, reaching an average height of 1.66 meters. This trend is not unique to Germany but is observed worldwide. However, the impact of body size on disease occurrence has long been underestimated. While lifestyle and environmental factors undoubtedly influence an individual’s health, body size appears to be equally important.
Contrary to popular belief, being tall does not only have disadvantages. Shorter individuals are more prone to developing type 2 diabetes, as their genes seem to influence fat content in the liver and insulin sensitivity. Norbert Stefan, a Professor for Clinical-Experimental Diabetology at the University Hospital in Tübingen, explains that shorter people have a poorer glucose utilization, leading to a higher incidence of diabetes.
A recent evaluation conducted by the contract research institute IQVIA produced similar results. The study analyzed data from 780,000 adults and found that for every ten centimeters lost in height, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes increased by 15 percent in women and 10 percent in men.
When it comes to cardiovascular disease, taller individuals seem to have an advantage. A study conducted by Düsseldorf University Hospital, involving 660,000 patients, revealed that shorter men and women are more prone to high blood pressure, stroke, and coronary heart disease. Professor Norbert Stefan attributes these findings to lower levels of fatty acids, LDL cholesterol, glucose, and hepatokines in taller individuals. However, taller men and women have a higher risk of atrial fibrillation.
The link between body size and disease susceptibility extends to vein thrombosis and cancer as well. The risk of developing thrombosis increases by 23 percent for every ten centimeters of body height, according to Düsseldorf scientists. A genome-wide comparative study conducted by the University of Colorado, examining 280,000 US military veterans, found associations between known size-determining gene variants and the risk of 127 different diseases. This includes a higher susceptibility to atrial fibrillation, varicose veins, and venous thrombosis in taller individuals.
Furthermore, a study conducted by the University Hospital Düsseldorf revealed that larger individuals have a higher risk of various types of cancer. For every ten centimeters increase in height, women experience an 11 percent increase in risk, while men experience a 6 percent increase. Tall individuals are especially prone to melanoma, colon, and breast cancer.
It is important to note that this article provides general information on the topic of body size and disease risk and is not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment, or medication. It is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional for individual concerns and questions regarding specific medical conditions.]
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