Over the years, scientists have examined a person’s height as a non-modifiable risk factor for certain diseases. Past research shows a taller person may be at a greater risk for diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and heart disease, while a shorter person is at higher risk for type 2 diabetes.
However, much previous research has been unclear whether height was the main factor or if other factors — such as nutrition and environmental factors — were more the cause.
A research team from the Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center has found evidence that a person’s height impacts their predisposition to certain diseases. Researchers identified some conditions not previously linked to height, including peripheral neuropathy and leg and foot ulcers.
Researchers examined genetics and height data from the VA Million Veteran Program database for the study led by Dr. Sridharan Raghavan, assistant professor at the Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.
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When asked why a taller person may be at a greater risk for certain diseases, Dr. Raghavan explained it was not surprising to see fundamental processes like growth and metabolism— which are related to height — connected to many aspects of health.
