This statistic represents the average height of men and women in selected countries worldwide as of 2008. On average, men are ***** centimeters and women are ***** centimeters tall in Australia.

This statistic represents the average height of women in the top 20 countries worldwide as of 2016. On average, women are ***** centimeters tall in the Netherlands.

This statistic represents the average height of men in the top 20 countries worldwide as of 2016. On average, men are ***** centimeters tall in Bosnia & Herzegovina.

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Height is influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and nutritional factors on a global scale. Genetic predispositions play a significant role in determining an individual's height, as certain populations may have inherent traits that contribute to taller or shorter statures. Additionally, environmental factors such as access to healthcare, sanitation, and overall socioeconomic conditions can impact growth patterns.

Nutrition is a crucial determinant of height, especially during the formative years of childhood and adolescence. Insufficient or imbalanced nutrition can stunt growth, leading to shorter stature. Conversely, adequate nutrition supports proper development and contributes to reaching one's genetic height potential.

On a global scale, variations in average height can be observed across different regions and populations. These differences are reflective of the complex interplay between genetics, environment, and nutrition. Understanding these global height factors is essential for addressing health disparities and implementing effective strategies to promote optimal growth and well-being worldwide.

Moldova MD: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: Female: % of Children Under 5 data was reported at 7.000 % in 2012. This records a decrease from the previous number of 11.500 % for 2005. Moldova MD: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: Female: % of Children Under 5 data is updated yearly, averaging 9.250 % from Dec 2005 (Median) to 2012, with 2 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 11.500 % in 2005 and a record low of 7.000 % in 2012. Moldova MD: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: Female: % of Children Under 5 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Moldova – Table MD.World Bank.WDI: Health Statistics. Prevalence of stunting, female, is the percentage of girls under age 5 whose height for age is more than two standard deviations below the median for the international reference population ages 0-59 months. For children up to two years old height is measured by recumbent length. For older children height is measured by stature while standing. The data are based on the WHO's new child growth standards released in 2006.; ; World Health Organization, Global Database on Child Growth and Malnutrition. Country-level data are unadjusted data from national surveys, and thus may not be comparable across countries.; Linear mixed-effect model estimates; Undernourished children have lower resistance to infection and are more likely to die from common childhood ailments such as diarrheal diseases and respiratory infections. Frequent illness saps the nutritional status of those who survive, locking them into a vicious cycle of recurring sickness and faltering growth (UNICEF, www.childinfo.org). Estimates of child malnutrition, based on prevalence of underweight and stunting, are from national survey data. The proportion of underweight children is the most common malnutrition indicator. Being even mildly underweight increases the risk of death and inhibits cognitive development in children. And it perpetuates the problem across generations, as malnourished women are more likely to have low-birth-weight babies. Stunting, or being below median height for age, is often used as a proxy for multifaceted deprivation and as an indicator of long-term changes in malnutrition.

Note: Countries are presented from shortest to tallest differential from the global mean; Adjusted  =  adjusted for year of birth, household wealth, education, and place of residence (urban or rural); SE  =  Standard Error.

** Apologies in advance for sharing the data in XLSX format but had no other choice as I wanted to present/share all the crucial information in 1 single file. **

Trends of adult height in India from 1998 to 2015

Several studies in the past have shown that the average height of adults across the globe is is on the rise, but against this trend, the average height of adults in India is declining at an alarming rate, as per a study titled ‘Trends of adult height in India from 1998 to 2015: Evidence from the National Family and Health Survey’.

The authors of this study have stated, “In the context of an overall increase in average heights worldwide, the decline in the average height of adults in India is alarming and demands an urgent enquiry. The argument for different standards of height for the Indian population as different genetic groups needs further scrutiny.”

The study further states that the decline in the average height of Indian adults is not just because of a genetic factor, but various non-genetic factors have also come into play, such as lifestyle, nutrition, social and economic determinants and so on.

Content

Acknowledgements & Citations

Citation: Choudhary KK, Das S, Ghodajkar P (2021) Trends of adult height in India from 1998 to 2015: Evidence from the National Family and Health Survey. PLoS ONE 16(9): e0255676. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0255676

Average human height by country - wikipedia

Inspiration

Read an article online about the decline of average height of adults in India and got curious about the data the researcher collected over 17 years.

Online Article link here

Jamaica JM: Prevalence of Overweight: Weight for Height: Female: % of Children Under 5 data was reported at 10.100 % in 2012. This records an increase from the previous number of 4.800 % for 2010. Jamaica JM: Prevalence of Overweight: Weight for Height: Female: % of Children Under 5 data is updated yearly, averaging 4.800 % from Dec 1994 (Median) to 2012, with 15 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 10.100 % in 2012 and a record low of 3.200 % in 1995. Jamaica JM: Prevalence of Overweight: Weight for Height: Female: % of Children Under 5 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Jamaica – Table JM.World Bank: Health Statistics. Prevalence of overweight, female, is the percentage of girls under age 5 whose weight for height is more than two standard deviations above the median for the international reference population of the corresponding age as established by the WHO's new child growth standards released in 2006.; ; World Health Organization, Global Database on Child Growth and Malnutrition. Country-level data are unadjusted data from national surveys, and thus may not be comparable across countries.; Linear mixed-effect model estimates; Estimates of overweight children are also from national survey data. Once considered only a high-income economy problem, overweight children have become a growing concern in developing countries. Research shows an association between childhood obesity and a high prevalence of diabetes, respiratory disease, high blood pressure, and psychosocial and orthopedic disorders (de Onis and Blössner 2003). Childhood obesity is associated with a higher chance of obesity, premature death, and disability in adulthood. In addition to increased future risks, obese children experience breathing difficulties and increased risk of fractures, hypertension, early markers of cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, and psychological effects. Children in low- and middle-income countries are more vulnerable to inadequate nutrition before birth and in infancy and early childhood. Many of these children are exposed to high-fat, high-sugar, high-salt, calorie-dense, micronutrient-poor foods, which tend be lower in cost than more nutritious foods. These dietary patterns, in conjunction with low levels of physical activity, result in sharp increases in childhood obesity, while under-nutrition continues

In 2023, South Korean high school students were among the tallest in Asia, with male students aged 16 years old averaging ***** cm and female students averaging ***** cm. Both South Korean men and women have seen drastic increases in height over the past century, and in the case of women, the change in average height is the largest increase for any population in the world. Height is linked to health The average height of a population can be a good indicator for the overall health of that country; aside from genetic factors, nutrition and childhood infections play an important role in how a child will develop in terms of growth. South Koreans can expect to live longer these days; the average life expectancy at birth has steadily increased and was at **** years as of 2022. Women are expected to live slightly longer than men by around five years. The average weight of South Korean high school students has also generally increased over the years, which may suggest nutrition has improved. However, as with many other OECD countries, the obesity rate has also increased among the population.

Macedonia MK: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: Female: % of Children Under 5 data was reported at 4.300 % in 2011. This records a decrease from the previous number of 9.200 % for 2005. Macedonia MK: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: Female: % of Children Under 5 data is updated yearly, averaging 5.300 % from Dec 1999 (Median) to 2011, with 4 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 9.200 % in 2005 and a record low of 0.900 % in 2004. Macedonia MK: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: Female: % of Children Under 5 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Macedonia – Table MK.World Bank: Health Statistics. Prevalence of stunting, female, is the percentage of girls under age 5 whose height for age is more than two standard deviations below the median for the international reference population ages 0-59 months. For children up to two years old height is measured by recumbent length. For older children height is measured by stature while standing. The data are based on the WHO's new child growth standards released in 2006.; ; World Health Organization, Global Database on Child Growth and Malnutrition. Country-level data are unadjusted data from national surveys, and thus may not be comparable across countries.; Linear mixed-effect model estimates; Undernourished children have lower resistance to infection and are more likely to die from common childhood ailments such as diarrheal diseases and respiratory infections. Frequent illness saps the nutritional status of those who survive, locking them into a vicious cycle of recurring sickness and faltering growth (UNICEF, www.childinfo.org). Estimates of child malnutrition, based on prevalence of underweight and stunting, are from national survey data. The proportion of underweight children is the most common malnutrition indicator. Being even mildly underweight increases the risk of death and inhibits cognitive development in children. And it perpetuates the problem across generations, as malnourished women are more likely to have low-birth-weight babies. Stunting, or being below median height for age, is often used as a proxy for multifaceted deprivation and as an indicator of long-term changes in malnutrition.

Iraq IQ: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: Female: % of Children Under 5 data was reported at 21.700 % in 2011. This records a decrease from the previous number of 26.200 % for 2006. Iraq IQ: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: Female: % of Children Under 5 data is updated yearly, averaging 26.200 % from Dec 2000 (Median) to 2011, with 3 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 27.600 % in 2000 and a record low of 21.700 % in 2011. Iraq IQ: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: Female: % of Children Under 5 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Iraq – Table IQ.World Bank: Health Statistics. Prevalence of stunting, female, is the percentage of girls under age 5 whose height for age is more than two standard deviations below the median for the international reference population ages 0-59 months. For children up to two years old height is measured by recumbent length. For older children height is measured by stature while standing. The data are based on the WHO's new child growth standards released in 2006.; ; World Health Organization, Global Database on Child Growth and Malnutrition. Country-level data are unadjusted data from national surveys, and thus may not be comparable across countries.; Linear mixed-effect model estimates; Undernourished children have lower resistance to infection and are more likely to die from common childhood ailments such as diarrheal diseases and respiratory infections. Frequent illness saps the nutritional status of those who survive, locking them into a vicious cycle of recurring sickness and faltering growth (UNICEF, www.childinfo.org). Estimates of child malnutrition, based on prevalence of underweight and stunting, are from national survey data. The proportion of underweight children is the most common malnutrition indicator. Being even mildly underweight increases the risk of death and inhibits cognitive development in children. And it perpetuates the problem across generations, as malnourished women are more likely to have low-birth-weight babies. Stunting, or being below median height for age, is often used as a proxy for multifaceted deprivation and as an indicator of long-term changes in malnutrition.

Timor-Leste TL: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: Female: % of Children Under 5 data was reported at 47.200 % in 2013. This records a decrease from the previous number of 55.600 % for 2009. Timor-Leste TL: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: Female: % of Children Under 5 data is updated yearly, averaging 52.200 % from Dec 2002 (Median) to 2013, with 4 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 55.600 % in 2009 and a record low of 47.200 % in 2013. Timor-Leste TL: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: Female: % of Children Under 5 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Timor-Leste – Table TL.World Bank: Health Statistics. Prevalence of stunting, female, is the percentage of girls under age 5 whose height for age is more than two standard deviations below the median for the international reference population ages 0-59 months. For children up to two years old height is measured by recumbent length. For older children height is measured by stature while standing. The data are based on the WHO's new child growth standards released in 2006.; ; World Health Organization, Global Database on Child Growth and Malnutrition. Country-level data are unadjusted data from national surveys, and thus may not be comparable across countries.; Linear mixed-effect model estimates; Undernourished children have lower resistance to infection and are more likely to die from common childhood ailments such as diarrheal diseases and respiratory infections. Frequent illness saps the nutritional status of those who survive, locking them into a vicious cycle of recurring sickness and faltering growth (UNICEF, www.childinfo.org). Estimates of child malnutrition, based on prevalence of underweight and stunting, are from national survey data. The proportion of underweight children is the most common malnutrition indicator. Being even mildly underweight increases the risk of death and inhibits cognitive development in children. And it perpetuates the problem across generations, as malnourished women are more likely to have low-birth-weight babies. Stunting, or being below median height for age, is often used as a proxy for multifaceted deprivation and as an indicator of long-term changes in malnutrition.

Armenia AM: Prevalence of Overweight: Weight for Height: Female: % of Children Under 5 data was reported at 12.700 % in 2016. This records a decrease from the previous number of 14.400 % for 2010. Armenia AM: Prevalence of Overweight: Weight for Height: Female: % of Children Under 5 data is updated yearly, averaging 11.400 % from Dec 1998 (Median) to 2016, with 5 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 14.400 % in 2010 and a record low of 9.000 % in 2005. Armenia AM: Prevalence of Overweight: Weight for Height: Female: % of Children Under 5 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Armenia – Table AM.World Bank.WDI: Social: Health Statistics. Prevalence of overweight, female, is the percentage of girls under age 5 whose weight for height is more than two standard deviations above the median for the international reference population of the corresponding age as established by the WHO's 2006 Child Growth Standards.;UNICEF, WHO, World Bank: Joint child Malnutrition Estimates (JME). Aggregation is based on UNICEF, WHO, and the World Bank harmonized dataset (adjusted, comparable data) and methodology.;;Estimates of overweight children are from national survey data. Once considered only a high-income economy problem, overweight children have become a growing concern in developing countries. Research shows an association between childhood obesity and a high prevalence of diabetes, respiratory disease, high blood pressure, and psychosocial and orthopedic disorders (de Onis and Blössner 2003). Childhood obesity is associated with a higher chance of obesity, premature death, and disability in adulthood. In addition to increased future risks, obese children experience breathing difficulties and increased risk of fractures, hypertension, early markers of cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, and psychological effects. Children in low- and middle-income countries are more vulnerable to inadequate nutrition before birth and in infancy and early childhood. Many of these children are exposed to high-fat, high-sugar, high-salt, calorie-dense, micronutrient-poor foods, which tend be lower in cost than more nutritious foods. These dietary patterns, in conjunction with low levels of physical activity, result in sharp increases in childhood obesity, while under-nutrition continues.

North Macedonia MK: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: % of Children Under 5, Modeled Estimate data was reported at 3.800 % in 2024. This stayed constant from the previous number of 3.800 % for 2023. North Macedonia MK: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: % of Children Under 5, Modeled Estimate data is updated yearly, averaging 5.700 % from Dec 2000 (Median) to 2024, with 25 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 8.600 % in 2005 and a record low of 3.800 % in 2024. North Macedonia MK: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: % of Children Under 5, Modeled Estimate data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s North Macedonia – Table MK.World Bank.WDI: Social: Health Statistics. Prevalence of stunting is the percentage of children under age 5 whose height for age is more than two standard deviations below the median for the international reference population ages 0-59 months. For children up to two years old height is measured by recumbent length. For older children height is measured by stature while standing. The data are based on the WHO's 2006 Child Growth Standards.;UNICEF, WHO, World Bank: Joint child Malnutrition Estimates (JME).;Weighted average;Undernourished children have lower resistance to infection and are more likely to die from common childhood ailments such as diarrheal diseases and respiratory infections. Frequent illness saps the nutritional status of those who survive, locking them into a vicious cycle of recurring sickness and faltering growth (UNICEF). Being even mildly underweight increases the risk of death and inhibits cognitive development in children. And it perpetuates the problem across generations, as malnourished women are more likely to have low-birth-weight babies. Stunting, or being below median height for age, is often used as a proxy for multifaceted deprivation and as an indicator of long-term changes in malnutrition. Estimates are modeled estimates produced by the JME. Primary data sources of the anthropometric measurements are national surveys. These surveys are administered sporadically, resulting in sparse data for many countries. Furthermore, the trend of the indicators over time is usually not a straight line and varies by country. Tracking the current level and progress of indicators helps determine if countries are on track to meet certain thresholds, such as those indicated in the SDGs. Thus the JME developed statistical models and produced the modeled estimates.

Bolivia BO: Prevalence of Overweight: Weight for Height: Female: % of Children Under 5 data was reported at 9.200 % in 2016. This records an increase from the previous number of 6.800 % for 2012. Bolivia BO: Prevalence of Overweight: Weight for Height: Female: % of Children Under 5 data is updated yearly, averaging 8.200 % from Dec 1989 (Median) to 2016, with 7 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 9.900 % in 1998 and a record low of 6.800 % in 2012. Bolivia BO: Prevalence of Overweight: Weight for Height: Female: % of Children Under 5 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Bolivia – Table BO.World Bank.WDI: Social: Health Statistics. Prevalence of overweight, female, is the percentage of girls under age 5 whose weight for height is more than two standard deviations above the median for the international reference population of the corresponding age as established by the WHO's 2006 Child Growth Standards.;UNICEF, WHO, World Bank: Joint child Malnutrition Estimates (JME). Aggregation is based on UNICEF, WHO, and the World Bank harmonized dataset (adjusted, comparable data) and methodology.;;Estimates of overweight children are from national survey data. Once considered only a high-income economy problem, overweight children have become a growing concern in developing countries. Research shows an association between childhood obesity and a high prevalence of diabetes, respiratory disease, high blood pressure, and psychosocial and orthopedic disorders (de Onis and Blössner 2003). Childhood obesity is associated with a higher chance of obesity, premature death, and disability in adulthood. In addition to increased future risks, obese children experience breathing difficulties and increased risk of fractures, hypertension, early markers of cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, and psychological effects. Children in low- and middle-income countries are more vulnerable to inadequate nutrition before birth and in infancy and early childhood. Many of these children are exposed to high-fat, high-sugar, high-salt, calorie-dense, micronutrient-poor foods, which tend be lower in cost than more nutritious foods. These dietary patterns, in conjunction with low levels of physical activity, result in sharp increases in childhood obesity, while under-nutrition continues.

Kuwait KW: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: % of Children Under 5 data was reported at 4.900 % in 2015. This records a decrease from the previous number of 5.800 % for 2014. Kuwait KW: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: % of Children Under 5 data is updated yearly, averaging 4.400 % from Dec 1996 (Median) to 2015, with 16 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 5.800 % in 2014 and a record low of 3.600 % in 2002. Kuwait KW: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: % of Children Under 5 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Kuwait – Table KW.World Bank: Health Statistics. Prevalence of stunting is the percentage of children under age 5 whose height for age is more than two standard deviations below the median for the international reference population ages 0-59 months. For children up to two years old height is measured by recumbent length. For older children height is measured by stature while standing. The data are based on the WHO's new child growth standards released in 2006.; ; UNICEF, WHO, World Bank: Joint child malnutrition estimates (JME). Aggregation is based on UNICEF, WHO, and the World Bank harmonized dataset (adjusted, comparable data) and methodology.; Linear mixed-effect model estimates; Undernourished children have lower resistance to infection and are more likely to die from common childhood ailments such as diarrheal diseases and respiratory infections. Frequent illness saps the nutritional status of those who survive, locking them into a vicious cycle of recurring sickness and faltering growth (UNICEF, www.childinfo.org). Estimates of child malnutrition, based on prevalence of underweight and stunting, are from national survey data. The proportion of underweight children is the most common malnutrition indicator. Being even mildly underweight increases the risk of death and inhibits cognitive development in children. And it perpetuates the problem across generations, as malnourished women are more likely to have low-birth-weight babies. Stunting, or being below median height for age, is often used as a proxy for multifaceted deprivation and as an indicator of long-term changes in malnutrition.

Nepal NP: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: Female: % of Children Under 5 data was reported at 39.500 % in 2011. This records a decrease from the previous number of 49.600 % for 2006. Nepal NP: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: Female: % of Children Under 5 data is updated yearly, averaging 56.750 % from Dec 1975 (Median) to 2011, with 6 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 75.100 % in 1975 and a record low of 39.500 % in 2011. Nepal NP: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: Female: % of Children Under 5 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Nepal – Table NP.World Bank.WDI: Health Statistics. Prevalence of stunting, female, is the percentage of girls under age 5 whose height for age is more than two standard deviations below the median for the international reference population ages 0-59 months. For children up to two years old height is measured by recumbent length. For older children height is measured by stature while standing. The data are based on the WHO's new child growth standards released in 2006.; ; World Health Organization, Global Database on Child Growth and Malnutrition. Country-level data are unadjusted data from national surveys, and thus may not be comparable across countries.; Linear mixed-effect model estimates; Undernourished children have lower resistance to infection and are more likely to die from common childhood ailments such as diarrheal diseases and respiratory infections. Frequent illness saps the nutritional status of those who survive, locking them into a vicious cycle of recurring sickness and faltering growth (UNICEF, www.childinfo.org). Estimates of child malnutrition, based on prevalence of underweight and stunting, are from national survey data. The proportion of underweight children is the most common malnutrition indicator. Being even mildly underweight increases the risk of death and inhibits cognitive development in children. And it perpetuates the problem across generations, as malnourished women are more likely to have low-birth-weight babies. Stunting, or being below median height for age, is often used as a proxy for multifaceted deprivation and as an indicator of long-term changes in malnutrition.

Barbados BB: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: Female: % of Children Under 5 data was reported at 6.400 % in 2012. Barbados BB: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: Female: % of Children Under 5 data is updated yearly, averaging 6.400 % from Dec 2012 (Median) to 2012, with 1 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 6.400 % in 2012 and a record low of 6.400 % in 2012. Barbados BB: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: Female: % of Children Under 5 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Barbados – Table BB.World Bank.WDI: Social: Health Statistics. Prevalence of stunting, female, is the percentage of girls under age 5 whose height for age is more than two standard deviations below the median for the international reference population ages 0-59 months. For children up to two years old height is measured by recumbent length. For older children height is measured by stature while standing. The data are based on the WHO's 2006 Child Growth Standards.;UNICEF, WHO, World Bank: Joint child Malnutrition Estimates (JME). Aggregation is based on UNICEF, WHO, and the World Bank harmonized dataset (adjusted, comparable data) and methodology.;;Undernourished children have lower resistance to infection and are more likely to die from common childhood ailments such as diarrheal diseases and respiratory infections. Frequent illness saps the nutritional status of those who survive, locking them into a vicious cycle of recurring sickness and faltering growth (UNICEF). Estimates are from national survey data. Being even mildly underweight increases the risk of death and inhibits cognitive development in children. And it perpetuates the problem across generations, as malnourished women are more likely to have low-birth-weight babies. Stunting, or being below median height for age, is often used as a proxy for multifaceted deprivation and as an indicator of long-term changes in malnutrition.

Morocco MA: Prevalence of Overweight: Weight for Height: Female: % of Children Under 5 data was reported at 8.800 % in 2011. This records a decrease from the previous number of 12.400 % for 2003. Morocco MA: Prevalence of Overweight: Weight for Height: Female: % of Children Under 5 data is updated yearly, averaging 10.400 % from Dec 1987 (Median) to 2011, with 5 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 12.400 % in 2003 and a record low of 5.200 % in 1987. Morocco MA: Prevalence of Overweight: Weight for Height: Female: % of Children Under 5 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Morocco – Table MA.World Bank: Health Statistics. Prevalence of overweight, female, is the percentage of girls under age 5 whose weight for height is more than two standard deviations above the median for the international reference population of the corresponding age as established by the WHO's new child growth standards released in 2006.; ; World Health Organization, Global Database on Child Growth and Malnutrition. Country-level data are unadjusted data from national surveys, and thus may not be comparable across countries.; Linear mixed-effect model estimates; Estimates of overweight children are also from national survey data. Once considered only a high-income economy problem, overweight children have become a growing concern in developing countries. Research shows an association between childhood obesity and a high prevalence of diabetes, respiratory disease, high blood pressure, and psychosocial and orthopedic disorders (de Onis and Blössner 2003). Childhood obesity is associated with a higher chance of obesity, premature death, and disability in adulthood. In addition to increased future risks, obese children experience breathing difficulties and increased risk of fractures, hypertension, early markers of cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, and psychological effects. Children in low- and middle-income countries are more vulnerable to inadequate nutrition before birth and in infancy and early childhood. Many of these children are exposed to high-fat, high-sugar, high-salt, calorie-dense, micronutrient-poor foods, which tend be lower in cost than more nutritious foods. These dietary patterns, in conjunction with low levels of physical activity, result in sharp increases in childhood obesity, while under-nutrition continues

Malawi MW: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: Male: % of Children Under 5 data was reported at 51.800 % in 2010. This records a decrease from the previous number of 52.400 % for 2009. Malawi MW: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: Male: % of Children Under 5 data is updated yearly, averaging 55.200 % from Dec 1992 (Median) to 2010, with 6 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 58.100 % in 1992 and a record low of 51.800 % in 2010. Malawi MW: Prevalence of Stunting: Height for Age: Male: % of Children Under 5 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Malawi – Table MW.World Bank: Health Statistics. Prevalence of stunting, male, is the percentage of boys under age 5 whose height for age is more than two standard deviations below the median for the international reference population ages 0-59 months. For children up to two years old height is measured by recumbent length. For older children height is measured by stature while standing. The data are based on the WHO's new child growth standards released in 2006.; ; World Health Organization, Global Database on Child Growth and Malnutrition. Country-level data are unadjusted data from national surveys, and thus may not be comparable across countries.; Linear mixed-effect model estimates; Undernourished children have lower resistance to infection and are more likely to die from common childhood ailments such as diarrheal diseases and respiratory infections. Frequent illness saps the nutritional status of those who survive, locking them into a vicious cycle of recurring sickness and faltering growth (UNICEF, www.childinfo.org). Estimates of child malnutrition, based on prevalence of underweight and stunting, are from national survey data. The proportion of underweight children is the most common malnutrition indicator. Being even mildly underweight increases the risk of death and inhibits cognitive development in children. And it perpetuates the problem across generations, as malnourished women are more likely to have low-birth-weight babies. Stunting, or being below median height for age, is often used as a proxy for multifaceted deprivation and as an indicator of long-term changes in malnutrition.