[The evolution of stature in Western Europe between 1960 and 1980. Hypothesis on the factors responsible].

Abstract

The data presented concern the evolution of the contemporary increase of stature in eleven countries of Western Europe, at national level and, for some of them, at regional level. The data are based on the average stature of recruits 18-20 years of age. Over the last 20 years, an average increase of 2 to more than 4 cm has been observed according to the countries studied. Over the last one hundred years, the increase of stature is from 3,7 to more than 15 cm. Comparison between the regional means of the stature in four countries and annual rents per capita shows a close relation between stature and conditions of living in Western Europe.