How people change in the last 100 years

Recent research by scientists shows that over the past 100 years, human changes have been evident in height, weight, puberty and longevity.

Height

Research by British scientists shows that the height of young men in this country has increased by an average of 10cm since the beginning of the 20th century. The average height is now measured at 178cm, higher than the figure of 168 cm before.Factors that promote height increase are improvements in nutrition.

The average height increase is not only recognized in the UK but also in many other developed countries, including the Netherlands. The Dutch people now have the highest average height in the world with 185cm. According to the researchers, in countries that have experienced war, disease and poverty, the average height of people will decrease.

The average height increase is recorded in many developed countries in the world.(Artwork: yousaytoo.com)

Life expectancy

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the average life expectancy in the world in 1900 is 31 years old and increased to 70 years in 2012. Scientists predict the average life expectancy of women Being born in developed countries like America in 2030 will be 85 years old.

Medical progress, improved sanitation and access to cleaner water are factors that help reduce the death rate of people due to infection and promote an increase in average life expectancy.

However, in addition, the proportion of people dying from degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, heart disease, and cancer is increasing. In other words, people live longer, but the risk of dying from many different diseases is also higher than before.

Weight

According to WHO, about 29% of the global population is showing obesity. This number doubled compared to the period of 1980.

However, the reason why people are getting fatter is still a matter of controversy among scientists. Some ideas are directed towards the habit of consuming a lot of food but limiting exercise. Other causes are for the role of genes and viruses associated with obesity.

The problem of weight gain and obesity is becoming more and more complicated, as many studies show that the mechanism of fat storage due to a history of malnutrition or lack of food can also be a cause.

Since the 1970s, Loughborough University Bogin anthropology has begun to study the characteristics of Mayan children and their families in Guatemala, Mexico and the United States. When the Maya emigrated to the United States, their babies were 11.5cm taller than other children born in Mexico and Guatemala. Bogin believes that this is the result of a healthy diet and good health care. In addition to growth in height, these children also have changes in weight and tend to be overweight, obese.

The rate of weight gain and obesity is increasing in many countries around the world, higher than the previous periods.(Artwork: madmikesamerica.com)

Get up early

Early rates of puberty and adulthood are recognized in many countries around the world. From the 1800s, every 10 years on average, the age of first menstruation in girls in the United States decreased by about 0.3 years (the average was 17). The influencing factors are said to be more nutritious, health and health care conditions are also better. Today, this average age is about 12.8-12.9 years old. Studies have also shown an association between obesity and early puberty. Accordingly, girls with higher body mass index (BMI) often get puberty earlier.

However, early puberty also means that there are some health problems. Earlier puberty girls have a higher risk of developing high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes than late puberty girls.

In addition, early puberty can also leave many social consequences. In some countries or regions of the world, when a girl is physiologically mature, she will be considered eligible for marriage. This means that you cannot continue to study or have a private job once you get married early.