British People Are Now Taller Than Americans - Here’s Why

Over the past century, British people have become steadily taller - and finally eclipsed people in America after 100 years of growth.

In the years between 1914 and 2014, the average height of British people increased 4.3 inches - but the rate of growth fell in America.

In America, average height increased just 2.4 inches - with some experts blaming bad diets and poor nutrition.

Overall, British men are now 31st tallest in the world, and women 38th - with Dutch men the tallest overall, at 5ft 11in.

Prof Majid Ezzati of Imperial College London said, ‘There was a time when America was the land of plenty.

‘When Europe didn’t have enough food, America did, but increasingly nutrition has become worse there. It’s not just about having enough calories, it’s about having high-quality calories. Growth has stopped in much of the West.

‘Together with poor performance of these countries in terms of obesity, this emphasises the need for more effective policies towards healthy nutrition throughout life.’