In Britain, the average height of children has increased over the last 20 years.
Medianews.az reports that Oxford University researchers have announced this.
However, scientists state that this increase is not due to improvements in health, but rather due to the rise in childhood obesity.
According to the results of a study conducted in England, Scotland, and Wales, the increase in height, especially in underprivileged areas, is linked to the spread of obesity and the deepening of social inequality.
Experts note that excess weight causes hormonal changes, leading to faster growth in children. However, this is not considered a positive indicator because obesity increases the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases in the future.
According to the study, the average height of 11-year-old boys in poor regions increased from 144.4 cm in the 2009/10 academic year to 146.1 cm in the 2023/24 year. During the same period, the proportion of overweight or obese children rose from 37.7 percent to 43.3 percent.
Researchers state that low-income families have less access to healthy food and safe sports facilities. Reducing child poverty and eliminating social inequality are considered essential to solving the problem.
Medianews.az