Hanoi sets taller goals for men and women

By 2025, the capital wants its male and female adult populations to reach average heights of 169 cm and 158 cm, according to a nutrition strategy prepared by the Hanoi Department of Health.

In 2016, male and female adults in Hanoi were 166.4 cm and 157.2 cm tall, on average. By 2021, they were 2.4 cm and 0.2 cm taller, respectively, the department said.

Vietnamese have grown taller twice as fast over the past decade compared to 2000-2010, the 2019-2020 national nutrition report revealed last year.

Between 2010 and 2020, Vietnamese men and women grew about 3.7 cm and 1.4 cm to an average heights of 168.1 cm, and 156.2 cm, respectively, according to the report.

“After 10 years, the height of Vietnamese citizens has changed significantly, especially among males aged 18,” said Le Danh Tuyen, director of the National Institute of Nutrition.

Some doctors said Hanoi’s height target is hard to reach, but others said it is possible if there are drastic and consistent measures regarding children’s nutrition and physical exercises from schools to families.