Men are generally taller and more muscular than women, a physical difference that has developed over time through an evolutionary process. This trend has been observed over the years, with notable changes in men's physiques globally. A recent study has shed light on this trend and revealed some intriguing findings.

Over the past century, men have gained both height and weight at a rate twice as fast as women. While the height and weight disparity between men and women remains significant, this study delves into the factors contributing to this difference.

Men grow taller in improved living conditions

The study, led by Prof. Lewis Halsey and his team at the University of Roehampton, analyzed data from multiple countries to explore how changes in height and weight over the past century are linked to living conditions. They used the Human Development Index (HDI), which considers life expectancy, education, and income levels, to assess these conditions. The findings reveal that both men and women have grown taller and heavier as living conditions have improved, but the increase is more significant in men.

According to the study, for every 0.2-point increase in HDI, women's average height increased by 1.7 cm and their weight by 2.7 kg, while men saw an increase of 4 cm in height and 6.5 kg in weight. The research highlights the importance of the environment in shaping physical development, particularly for men.

Understanding role of sexual attraction

Taller and more muscular men are often considered more sexually attractive, and women may have subconsciously preferred them due to their physical attributes. Study author Prof. Halsey noted, “Women can find men’s height attractive because it can make them seem more formidable, as well as suggest they are well-built.”

In simple terms, the study delved into sexual size dimorphism (SSD), which refers to the size differences between males and females. In humans, this typically means that men are taller and heavier. This disparity isn't random; it is deeply rooted in evolutionary factors.

Larger men may have an advantage, as they are often perceived as stronger, which could signal better protection—a trait many women subconsciously favour. However, larger body size can also make men more susceptible to environmental stressors like poor nutrition and disease, as bigger bodies are more affected by such challenges.

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