Saturday, 18 September 2021

Going Dutch

Shock, horror, the Dutch are getting smaller (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/sep/17/why-does-worlds-tallest-populace-dutch-seem-to-be-getting-shorter). The inhabitants of the Netherlands, have been noted for their impressive heights. It now appears there is currently a small reduction in height in the current crop. It has been suggested that the reduction is a consequence of immigration (people with fewer genes for impressive growth). The reduction is, however, seen in people with all four grandparents born in the Netherlands. A more likely cause appears to be changes in diet. People are now more likely to consume more convenience food (high in calories but poor in nutrients). A similar phenomenon appears to have occurred somewhat earlier in the US. Clearly, adult height is a genes/environment interaction.

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