Vietnam’s population is growing, leading to increased concern for Vietnamese public health, especially human development in Vietnam. One of the important indicators reflecting the physical characteristics of Vietnamese people is height. Many are concerned about average short stature, even stunting, sub-standard height, or abnormal height. So, what is the average height of Vietnamese people today?
Current Average Height of Vietnamese People
According to the most recent Vietnamese anthropometric statistics from the Vietnamese Ministry of Health and the National Institute of Nutrition, the achieved height of Vietnamese youth has significantly changed, with 18-year-old males in 2020 reaching 168.1cm (an increase of 3.7cm compared to 2010: 164.4cm), and females in 2020 reaching 156.2cm (2010: 154.8cm).
Average height is classified by gender and age. Vietnamese men are generally taller than Vietnamese women. Height also varies with age, with Vietnamese youth typically being taller than Vietnamese children. Specific data on average height by age group and gender can be found on the Vietnamese Ministry of Health’s website or WHO’s website.
Vietnamese anthropometric statistics show that genetic factors significantly influence height
The younger generation of Vietnam needs a good nutritional regimen to achieve maximum height. Nutrition for Vietnamese children requires special attention. Below is a detailed guide to nutrition for height development:
Protein:
Why needed?: Protein is the main component of muscles, bones, and other tissues. Protein is essential for height growth.
Sources: Meat, fish, eggs, milk, soybeans, nuts.
Guidance: Ensure adequate daily protein intake according to the recommendations of the National Institute of Nutrition.
Calcium:
Why needed?: Calcium helps strengthen bones and optimizes height development.
Sources: Milk, yogurt, cheese, dark green vegetables, seafood.
Guidance: Supplement with sufficient calcium combined with vitamin D for better absorption.
Vitamin D:
Why needed?: Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, supporting bone development.
Sources: Sunlight, fish oil, eggs, milk.
Guidance: Sunbathe for 15-20 minutes daily in the morning.
Other nutrients:
Zinc, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Vitamin K: Also play important roles in bone and height development.
Sources: Diverse foods, fruits and vegetables, grains.
Guidance: Eat a diverse, balanced diet.
Scientific diet:
Eat regular meals, on time.
Drink enough water.
Limit sweets, carbonated drinks, fast food.
Balanced diet.
Genetics and Environment: Two Key Factors Affecting Vietnamese Height
Height genetics play a foundational role in physical development, determining each individual’s maximum height potential. Vietnamese people inherit height genes from their parents and grandparents. If parents have an average short stature, their children are likely to be shorter. However, genetic factors are not absolute.
Genetics determine approximately 60-80% of height. Vietnamese anthropometric statistics show that genetic factors significantly influence height. The Vietnamese population has distinct physical characteristics.
Height genes are diverse. Vietnamese males and Vietnamese females have differences in height growth rates and average height.
Stunted height can be hereditary. Some rare medical conditions affect height genes, leading to abnormal height.
The living environment directly impacts height growth rates, especially in Vietnamese children. Nutrition, a balanced diet, sleep, physical activity, and even the effects of environmental pollution on height all contribute to height development. The living environment affects height development, contributing to changes in height due to improved nutrition.
Vietnamese Children’s Nutrition: Good nutrition leads to better height. Malnourished diets and a high rate of malnutrition in Vietnamese children negatively impact height. The National Institute of Nutrition recommends a balanced diet for each age and gender. Children’s nutritional status is a crucial factor.
Socio-economic environment: Socio-economic development affects nutrition and height. Vietnam’s economic growth rate impacts the quality of life, thereby influencing the average height of Vietnamese people.
Public health: Public health policies affect community health and height. The Vietnamese Ministry of Health provides recommendations on nutrition and disease prevention, contributing to improving average height. WHO also sets standards for average height, weight, and BMI for Vietnamese people.
Other factors: The impact of stress on height, the effect of sleep on height, and the relationship between height and athletic performance also need to be considered.
Vietnamese height is increasing. The height growth rate of the younger generation in Vietnam is encouraging
Comparison of Average Height of Vietnamese People and Regional Countries
The average height of Vietnamese people is lower than some countries in the region. According to WHO and the Vietnamese Ministry of Health, the average height for Vietnamese males is about 168cm, and for females, it is about 156cm. This figure is lower compared to South Korea, Japan, and China. However, the height of Vietnamese people is increasing. The height growth rate of the younger generation in Vietnam is encouraging.
Below is the table comparing average heights you provided, presented for easier reading:
No.
Country/Territory
Average Height (cm)
1
Timor Leste
155.47
2
Laos
155.89
3
Madagascar
156.36
4
Guatemala
156.39
5
Philippines
156.41
6
Nepal
156.58
7
Yemen
156.92
8
Marshall Islands
157.05
9
Bangladesh
157.29
10
Cambodia
158.11
11
Indonesia
158.17
12
Malawi
158.31
13
Rwanda
158.73
14
India
158.76
15
Vietnam
159.01
16
Peru
159.08
17
Papua New Guinea
159.21
18
Solomon Islands
159.27
19
Mozambique
159.37
20
Bhutan
159.46
Vietnamese Height Through Different Periods
Previously, the average height of Vietnamese people was among the shortest in the world. The Vietnamese population went through many periods of war and socio-economic hardship. Nutrition for Vietnamese children was inadequate, and the rate of malnutrition among Vietnamese children was high. Vietnamese anthropometric statistics from this period recorded stunted and sub-standard height in many generations. The stature of Vietnamese people was small.
Vietnam’s rapid economic growth in recent decades has led to significant improvements in nutrition and health. Greater emphasis has been placed on the physical development of the younger generation in Vietnam, including Vietnamese children, youth, women, and men.
The average height of Vietnamese people has significantly improved compared to the past. However, there is still a gap compared to some countries in the region. Average height is an important indicator of public health. Nutrition plays a crucial role in height development. Genetic factors significantly influence height. The living environment impacts height development.
