Why has there has been little change in the average height in Western countries over the last few decades?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The upper boundary of an individual's reaction range for height is determined by their genetic makeup and environmental factors such as nutrition and healthcare. It is possible that people in Western countries have reached this upper boundary, resulting in little change in average height over the last few decades. Overweight or obesity may negatively affect height, but this is not the primary reason for the lack of change. Diseases may have an impact on height, but there is no evidence to suggest that this is the case in Western countries. Evolutionary influences would not cause all populations to decrease in height as this contradicts the theory of natural selection.

Why Has There Has Been Little Change in the Average