Researchers took a look at DNA and socio-economic data from more than 120,000 people in England, and their ages ranged from 37 to 73. Researchers concluded short men have reduced chances in life, including areas like income, job class and level of education. The study’s findings were published in The BMJ, on Wednesday.
In measures of education, job class and income, taller men had a better score. The study revealed that as little as an extra 2-and-a-half inches to a man’s height raised their annual incomes by almost $4,200. Overweight men saw a drop in income, but the effect of being overweight and dragging down incomes was more evident for women than men.
Women who were carrying 15 pounds more than their peers saw an average drop in annual income of $1,600. They were also less likely to own a vehicle, homes or to have a job.
Tim Frayling, a researcher at the University of Exeter Medical School, said this was the best available evidence that suggests your height or weight can influence socioeconomic factors, including one’s earnings. Frayling added that they knew there was an association but many people assumed that shorter height and higher Body Mass Index were consequences of poor nutrition and chances in life. He said they now have shown that shorter height and higher BMI can lead to lower income.
Researchers did note that this didn’t apply to overweight women or shorter men who are successful, but this did provide insight about the link between success and one’s height and BMI.
