Genetics is the key factor in predicting height in adulthood as revealed by a formula has been in use since the 1970s’.
The formula revealed in the New York Times is an easy (although fallible) mathematical equation that can help you predict how tall your child will be.
It predicts that ‘most (but not all) children will reach a height somewhere within a fairly small range that can be estimated by the average combined heights of their parents.
How does it work?
BOYS
Add the heights of both parents plus 5in (13cm) and divide by two.
GIRLS
Add the heights of both parents minus 5in (13cm) and divide by two.
There is a more complicated formula for extreme differences in parental height.
These predictions are by no means completely reliable, however, as environmental factors such as nutrition play a big part in determining human height.
A study of 8,798 pairs of Finnish twins conducted in 2000 found that genetics accounted for 78 per cent of height in adult men and around 75 per cent in women.
However, as we all know not all children born to the same couple will be the same height.
Science shows that height tends to decrease in younger siblings.
Another popular method for predicting height is to double a boy’s height at age two or a girl’s height at 18 months.
Most children will reach an adult height within 4in (10cm) of this estimation.
Talking about the formula in a post for Huggies, Professor David Ravine from the Western Australian Institute for Medical Research, said: ‘As a rough rule, adult height can be estimated pretty well by doubling the height that was achieved at two years of age.’
He added: ‘
There’s a long list of genes which have an influence on our height. Typically a person’s height reflects the heights of their parents.
‘Environment can also have a big influence as well. For example, childhood malnutrition can have a devastating effect on growth and ultimate adult height.
‘Nutrition in-utero and in the first few years of life have an impact on the height a child will grow to ‘
Seriously? These researchers have got troubled minds (my fustian) why should I bother my busy head with how tall my child of 8 should be in adulthood? He he he. I guess one should worry about the cowering standard of Education in Nigeria and how to improve it. (only Sandra Harry)
Thanks