Average Height of Women in India: A Brief Overview

Has a random thought ever popped into your head what is the average height of a woman in India? If yes, then you might want to read this blog because you are not alone. It is just not a topic for discussion. The average height of a woman in India can reveal a lot about the country’s history, culture, and health. India is the most populated country in the world with 1.4 billion people and half of them are women belonging to different ethnic, linguistic, and religious groups.  Height is one of the physical characteristics that can vary widely depending on factors such as genetics, nutrition, and environment.

What does History Say?

The average height of women in India can provide insights into the nation’s historical, cultural, and health aspects. In a study, it was found that the average height of Indian women was 149.9 cm in 1914, and this increased to 151.4 cm by 1962. (1)

Over the past few decades, India has experienced swift economic and societal transformations that have improved the living conditions and well-being of its population. These shifts have had a positive influence on the average height of Indian women, as it has consistently risen in response to improved nutrition and elevated living standards.

However, there is a considerable variation in height observed across various regions, states, economic strata, and social categories within India. For instance, during the period between National Family Health Survey (NFHS III and IV) a notable decline in average height, amounting to -0.57 cm, was recorded among women belonging to the poorest segments. Similarly, women from the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community aged 15-25 years also experienced a significant decrease in average height, which amounted to -0.42 cm.

Factors Influencing Height in Indian Women

Height is a complex characteristic shaped by a combination of genetic and environmental elements. The average height of Indian women is approximately 5 feet, slightly below the global average. Nevertheless, there is significant diversity in height observed among various Indian regions, ethnic communities, and socioeconomic strata.

• Genetic and Ethnicity

Genetics plays a significant role in determining an individual’s potential height, but how these genetic factors manifest depends on their interaction with environmental influences like nutrition, health, and lifestyle.

India, being a diverse nation, consists of numerous ethnic groups with distinct genetic backgrounds and historical origins. Some ethnic groups, such as the Indo-Aryans and the Dravidians, have migrated from other regions and intermingled with the local populations, while others, like the Scheduled Tribes (STs), have maintained relative isolation, preserving their unique genetic traits.

These diverse ethnic groups may possess varying alleles or gene variants that impact height. For instance, research has highlighted the presence of a gene called HMGA2, which is linked to height differences in humans. The frequencies of this gene can differ among populations and could contribute to the height variations seen among various ethnic groups. (2)

• Nutrition and Diet

Nutrition stands as a critical factor impacting height, with adequate nourishment in childhood and adolescence being vital for optimal growth and development. Nutrition plays a role not just in the quantity but also in the quality of growth, encompassing factors like bone density and muscle mass.

In Indian women, several prevalent nutritional deficiencies can hamper height. These include protein-energy malnutrition (PEM), iron deficiency anemia (IDA), iodine deficiency disorders (IDD), vitamin A deficiency (VAD), and calcium deficiency. These deficiencies can hinder processes like growth hormone secretion, bone formation, thyroid function, immune system activity, and overall well-being.

• Socioeconomic Factors

Socioeconomic factors represent a significant determinant of the average height of women in India. Socioeconomic status influences nutrition, healthcare access, and subsequently, growth and development. It also affects various other aspects, including education, occupation, lifestyle, and societal norms that can impact height.

In broad terms, higher socioeconomic status is linked to greater height in Indian women. This connection arises from the improved access to food, healthcare, education, and personal development opportunities that a higher socioeconomic status provides. However, there are exceptions to this pattern. For instance, some studies have indicated that urban women tend to be taller than their rural counterparts, though this difference tends to diminish when accounting for socioeconomic factors. (3)

As per the study, women aged 15-25 years exhibited an average height decrease of 0.12 cm from NFHS-III (2005-2006) to NFHS-IV (2015-16), whereas women aged 26-50 years experienced an average height increase of 0.13 cm during the same period. The research also revealed a significant decline of 0.57 cm in the average height of the poorest women between NFHS-III and NFHS-IV.

• Public Health Programs

In recent decades, India has made significant strides in enhancing the availability and reach of healthcare facilities and services targeted at women. A notable initiative, the National Health Mission (NHM), was introduced in 2005 with the aim of fortifying the public health system and ensuring universal access to essential health services, particularly for rural and marginalized communities.

Under the umbrella of the NHM, various programs and schemes have been put into action to address the women’s health. These include initiatives like Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK), Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan (SUMAN), and Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA).

How can Women Increase Their Height Naturally

• Balanced Diet

Adequate nutrition is crucial for growth during childhood and adolescence. Ensure that you get a well-balanced diet that includes essential nutrients like proteins, calcium, vitamins, and minerals. A diet rich in dairy products, lean protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can contribute to healthy growth.

• Adequate Sleep

Proper sleep is essential for growth and overall well-being. During deep sleep, the body releases growth hormone, which is crucial for height increase. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.

• Regular Exercise

Engaging in regular physical activities, including stretching exercises, yoga, and swimming, can help maintain flexibility and posture, which can make you appear taller. However, it won’t actually increase your height beyond your genetic potential.

• Maintain Good Posture

Proper posture can make you appear taller. Be mindful of how you sit and stand and consider practices like yoga or Pilates to improve posture and core strength.

• Avoid Stunting Factors

Avoid factors that can negatively affect growth, such as smoking, excessive caffeine consumption, and a sedentary lifestyle.

• Stress Management

High levels of stress can negatively impact your health, including your growth. Practicing stress management techniques like meditation and relaxation exercises can be beneficial.

• Regular Medical Check-ups

Sometimes, underlying medical conditions can affect growth. Regular check-ups can help identify and address any potential issues.

Conclusion

In this article, we’ve delved into the topic of the average height of women and the multifaceted factors that influence it, including genetics, ethnicity, nutrition, diet, socioeconomic status, healthcare, and public health initiatives. The typical height for women in India stands at approximately 5 feet or 152.4 cm, slightly below the global average for women, and there is noteworthy variation in height across different segments of the female population in India.

Height isn’t merely a cosmetic feature; it plays a substantial role in determining one’s health, overall well-being, and life opportunities. Addressing disparities in height and ensuring optimal growth and development for all women in India are crucial steps toward enhancing their quality of life and achieving social justice and fairness.