Revista de Nutrição e Ciências Alimentares
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Defying Secular Trend

May Fouad Nassar

The secular variation of biological anthropology tends to assess the degree of socio-economic development that is why nations try hard to achieve better secular trends of growth. Taller height has been often described as a sign of social status and privilege, therefore it became a personal as well as a society wish. Generally, in the last decades, stature tends to stabilize; however, weight continues to grow causing overweight to take pandemic forms. Nutrition and genetics are the main determinants of height trends and since maximum genetic potential can be restrained; nutrition takes the lead. Growth acceleration, during pursuit of positive height trend, correlates with long-term health problems in humans. most studies show a positive association between rapid growth (height, weight, or both) and increased overweight and obesity, regardless of age. Therefore, the ultimate goal is to defy the secular trend and achieve a better height potential without the health burdens of excess weight. Protein quality rather than quantity is what truly makes a difference in height. Although nutrition in most countries can be raised by rational dietary guidelines, the deterioration of the protein index, even in the wealthiest nations, is alarming.