As the world gets taller, Indians are getting shorter

[Beijingwalker]

As the world gets taller, Indians are getting shorter​

Contrary to global trends, the average height of both men and women in the Indian subcontinent is decreasing. The reasons are manifold.
By Sophie Landrin (New Delhi, India, correspondent)

Published on May 19, 2026

A child dressed as Mahatma Gandhi and painted silver to attract passersby begs during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Hyderabad, India, on August 27, 2025. NOAH SEELAM/AFP

Despite economic progress, the average height of the Indian population has either stagnated or declined, while globally, people have grown taller. This unequivocal finding emerged from various reports of the National Family Health Survey, conducted since the early 1990s, providing the most comprehensive data on demography, health and nutrition in India.

In the country, the average height for men is 165 cm, while for women it is around 152 cm. Many researchers have examined the causes and are nearly unanimous: while genetics play a role, factors such as environment, health, diet and access to healthcare significantly influence the population's height.

In a study published in 2021, researchers from Jawaharlal Nehru University compared the results of three National Family Health Surveys between 1998 and 2015. Their conclusion was clear: Men in the 15-25 and 26-50 age groups showed a significant decrease in average height – by 1.1 cm and 0.86 cm, respectively.

The average height of women in the 15-25 age group decreased by 0.12 cm, with an even sharper decline among the poor (−0.57 cm) and among women from Scheduled Tribes (−0.42 cm). On a more positive note, for women aged 26-50, average height increased by 0.13 cm, except among those from Scheduled Tribes, where a decrease was noted. These groups, living in rural and isolated areas, are among the most economically and educationally.

 

[retaxis]

Indians are the shortest, lowest IQ and most malnourished according to science and facts. No wonder they are so delusional lol

 

[Beijingwalker]

 

[Beijingwalker]

Good question. Can Indian members here answer?

 

[Ali_Baba]

Is it become as India become more of a fundamentalistic hindu state, that restrictions around eating high protein food like meat is being restricted more socially and that is leading to smaller Indians ?

India has become richer and should have access to better food - so to me the variable is the rise of Hindu fundamentalism..

 

[Beijingwalker]

Is it become as India become more of a fundamentalistic hindu state, that restrictions around eating high protein food like meat is being restricted more socially and that is leading to smaller Indians ?

India has become richer and should have access to better food - so to me the variable is the rise of Hindu fundamentalism..

Or the so called development is only on paper, life on the real ground remains the same if not worse.

 

[Pioneer]

Is it become as India become more of a fundamentalistic hindu state, that restrictions around eating high protein food like meat is being restricted more socially and that is leading to smaller Indians ?

India has become richer and should have access to better food - so to me the variable is the rise of Hindu fundamentalism..

we can eat more vegetables.

 

[tower9]

Indians are the shortest, lowest IQ and most malnourished according to science and facts. No wonder they are so delusional lol

View attachment 219659

Yet when they talk about Chinese or East Asians, they seem to always like to bring up stature or talk about “little” East Asians in a derogatory way.

Never seen such a delusional people. Most of the young northern Chinese guys I’ve met are my height or towering over me and I am 6’2.

 

[tower9]

Is it become as India become more of a fundamentalistic hindu state, that restrictions around eating high protein food like meat is being restricted more socially and that is leading to smaller Indians ?

India has become richer and should have access to better food - so to me the variable is the rise of Hindu fundamentalism..

Veg diet is weak as hell. And what they eat isn’t even healthy, it’s a shit ton of veg curries and carbs and grease.

I eat steak almost every damn day. It’s the best food on earth. They are missing out big time.

 

[Beijingwalker]

This is the true, tangible development touching all aspects of a society

 

[Beijingwalker]

India has become richer and should have access to better food - so to me the variable is the rise of Hindu fundamentalism..

Food, nutrition, clean drinking water, hygiene, healthcare, less pollution, living condition, education....