So, if you wish to learn more about the Dutch story and save some secret tips to develop your height, read until the end!

Average height in the Netherlands

Statistics from Our World in Data Organization revealed that the height gaps between men and women are quite visible. Adult males are usually 7% taller than their female counterparts due to the differences in the growing timeline. Girls tend to enter puberty one year sooner, around 11–15, whereas boys start the maturation process between 12–16 and may continue to grow taller into their late teenage years. Thus, we must inspect the average height of a nation by gender to maintain a clear and objective perspective.

What is the mean height of a Dutch male?

It is not an overstatement to say that the Dutch citizens have done a phenomenal job of increasing their average height. According to the World Population Review, the mean stature of an adult Dutch is nearly 6.03 feet (183.8 centimeters) in 2024, which is 7 inches taller than those in 1810 [1]. Despite genetic reasons, nutrition, consumption, and living conditions have played a vital role in this height-boost process [2]. As the 20th approached, the blossom in the Netherlands’ finances and economy allowed the government to provide better healthcare services to their people. Doctors and nutritionists can diagnose and treat various health diseases, especially those related to human stature, at an early stage to ensure a beneficial development. 

What is the average height of a Dutch female?

Besides healthcare improvement, nutrition intake also joins hands to raise the average height of the Dutch population. Milk and dairy products like cheese, yogurt, and butter are rich sources of calcium, vitamin D, and other minerals that support bone health and muscle growth [3]. As one of the largest dairy-consumption populations worldwide, Dutch women also have a noticeable average height of 5.59 feet (170.35 centimeters). Comparing side by side with the world’s shortest country (Timor Leste), people will notice a height gap of nearly 5 inches, which is quite impressive.

Moreover, natural selection plays a role in the overall development of human beings. A study by Gert Stulp, Louise Barrett, Felix C. Tropf, and Melinda Mills in 2015 pointed out that taller men might have higher fertility than shorter ones, while average women have higher fertility than taller and shorter peers [1]. These science-based results have partly explained why the Dutch are growing taller and taller over time.

What do the Dutch do to grow taller?

Aside from the fact that Europeans tend to inherit taller genes than most parts of the world, other external factors also come together to define the average height. So, what exactly did the Dutch people do to attain their current towering stature? 

Adhere strictly to a balanced diet

As mentioned earlier, the Dutch take their milk seriously, as the Germans do to their beer. Statistics in 2021 indicated that a Dutch person consumed more than 100 kilograms of dairy products that year, significantly higher than its near neighbor, Belgium (88 kilograms). Besides, they also load their daily diet with vegetables, fruit, lean protein (red meat and fatty fish), and probably a hefty glass of fresh milk.

• Fruit and vegetables: These ingredients are among the most essential food groups helping the Dutch reach the sky. Juicy fruits like oranges, lemons, apricots, and berries are rich in vitamins A, C, and K to support the immune system. Meanwhile, leafy greens are abundant in dietary fiber and minerals to assist bone growth.
• Protein: This European country combines animal and plant-based protein in their meals for ultimate height improvement. They enjoy chicken, turkey, beef, and lamb as much as they love their baked chickpeas and roasted nuts, which provide tons of protein to build their body frame.
• Grains: If white and brown rice are kitchen staples in Asia, sourdough is a must-have on the Dutch’s menu. They adore this special bread, not just for the taste but also for the nutritional value, including zinc, magnesium, potassium, etc. [5]. 

Introduce nutrition supplements

Other than enhancing the appetite, the Dutch people also incorporate supplements into their diet to fight against unfavorable diseases that may stunt their growth. The Americans and other developed countries like Singapore, Korea, and Japan also see eye to eye with the Dutch by introducing more height growth supplements to support their next generations. Some of the most popular products are from NuBest Nutrition - a popular brand in the U.S. (NuBest Tall, NuBest Tall Protein Chocolate Flavor, and NuBest Tall Vanilla Flavor).

However, it is important to seek consultation from specialists before adding any dietary supplements to your children's diet to prevent any allergies or severe reactions.

Manage stress levels by exercising

Sadly, stress makes people feel less of themselves and is slowly swallowed by the world. Indeed, this is the truth. Scientists have proven that chronic stress, over a long period, can limit the production of growth hormones in kids and teenagers. As a result, they are unlikely to reach their potential adult height.

The Dutch, however, have their unique way of coping with stress, known as "uitwaaien." This term means outblowing in English. On these blue days, people usually go out for a walk or a bike ride in the open air when a strong wind is blowing in their faces. This means of therapy helps keep them calm, relaxed, and recharged for the upcoming days.

Ensure the sleep’s quality and quantity

Deep sleep is more important than most people think, especially for the growth of children and young adults. Science explains that when people sleep, the neural system will regenerate more effectively and produce more growth hormones.

As for the Dutch, they adhere seriously to the daily recommended amount of sleep, which is slightly more than eight hours. This habit has granted them the stature that many have to admire.

In a nutshell,

After many ups and downs throughout history, people in the Netherlands have successfully earned the title “World’s Tallest Nation." They can achieve such impressive heights due to DNA properties, nutritious diets, stress management, and adequate sleeping habits. If you wish to improve your stature, pay attention to these aspects during your growing years, and you will have a higher chance of growing taller.

• Related post: The Average Height For Men USA

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References

[1], [4]  Does natural selection favour taller stature among the tallest people on Earth? | proceedings of the royal society B: Biological Sciences. (n.d.). https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2015.0211 

[2] Perkins, J. M., Subramanian, S. V., Davey Smith, G., & Özaltin, E. (2016, March). Adult height, nutrition, and Population Health. Nutrition reviews. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4892290/ 

[3] Berkey, C. S., Colditz, G. A., Rockett, H. R. H., Frazier, A. L., & Willett, W. C. (2009, June). Dairy consumption and female height growth: Prospective cohort study. Cancer epidemiology, biomarkers & prevention : a publication of the American Association for Cancer Research, cosponsored by the American Society of Preventive Oncology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3740511/ 

[5] Gobbetti M;Rizzello CG;Di Cagno R;De Angelis M; (n.d.). How the sourdough may affect the functional features of leavened baked goods. Food microbiology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24230470/