If you’re tall-statured, you’re probably used to being the handyman for any household issue that demands height – be it cleaning ceiling fans or lifting crockery from the highest kitchen cabinet. Not to mention, the advantage of being able to comfortably watch matches and concerts while sitting in the last row. However, as “attractive” as being tall may be, there are certain effects – both good and bad – that being tall has on your health. And here are some of them.
1. Increased Risk Of Cancer
Being tall is associated with a higher risk of death from cancer. According to a Swedish study conducted on over 5.5 million participants, every 10cm increase in height can increase the risk of cancer by 18% in women and 11% in men. An increased height is linked to prostate cancer in men and breast cancer in women. However, this is not to say that being tall is directly linked to cancer, as it is still too soon to say that height increases cancer risk. Even if you’re tall, there are things you can do to reduce your risk, such as regular exercise and eating a balanced diet.1
2. Higher Risk Of Atrial Fibrillation
Tall people are at increased risk of atrial fibrillation, which is a condition that leads to irregular, rapid heart rate and poor blood flow. Another heart-related ailment that is said to be prevalent among tall individuals is Marfan syndrome. Certain studies also note that being tall is associated with a higher risk of venous thromboembolism, a condition that is the third leading cause of heart attack and stroke. However, being tall does not put you at risk of all heart diseases. In fact, an increased height reduces the risk of conditions like congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, and possibly aortic valve calcification.2
3. Reduced Risk Of Alzheimer’s
If your height is over 179.7 cm, you have a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s, as compared to shorter men. Tall people, according to a study, have a 59% reduced risk of developing neuro-cognitive disorders including Alzheimer’s and dementia.3
4. Lower Risk Of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Being tall is inversely proportional to impaired joint function, according to recent studies. This means that an increased height reduces the risk of arthritis and improves muscle and joint function. So, shorter people are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis and be affected by joint pain, compared to their tall counterparts.4
5. A Shorter Lifespan
It’s official – short people, according to reports, live longer than the tall ones! People who are short carry a certain FOXO3 genotype, which is linked to longevity of life. So, taller people might have a lesser lifespan than the shorter ones.5
However, these studies are not conclusive. So, even if you’re at a reduced risk of certain illnesses, it doesn’t mean you’ve to let go of eating healthy. A wholesome diet and a conditioning workout will go a long way in keeping you hale, hearty and disease-free.
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