Secular change in adult stature has come to a halt in northern Europe and Italy.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether the increase in adult stature in European countries is continuing.


METHODS
The secular trend in growth after 1990 for various European countries was assessed by national conscript data.


RESULTS
In Scandinavia and the Netherlands, the height has reached a plateau at 179-181 cm, and in Italy a plateau at 174 cm. In Belgium, Portugal and Spain, height continued to increase.


CONCLUSIONS
Only in the northern European countries and Italy height has ceased to increase.
Larnkaer
Anni
A
LMC Centre for Advanced Food studies, Department of Human Nutrition, Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Frederiksberg, Denmark.
Attrup Schrøder
Stine
S
Schmidt
Ida Maria
IM
Hørby Jørgensen
Marianne
M
Fleischer Michaelsen
Kim
K
D000293:Adolescent; D001827:Body Height; D005060:Europe; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D013997:Time Factors