“From growth in height to growth in breadth”: The changing body shape of Swiss conscripts since the late 19th century and possible endocrine explanations

摘要: Because Swiss conscription has been mandatory and standardized since 1875 measurement procedures for height weight have not changed, recruitment data (representative 80-100% of the living young men) provide a solid foundation detailed study changes men in Switzerland over past 140 years. The average body increased markedly by 15 cm between 1870s 1970s (birth years). Improvements conditions are likely to among main environmental determinants this increase, but there other candidates, all which worked via endocrine system. First, widespread iodine deficiency at end 19th century helps account an overrepresentation very short conscripts, low level general as well tremendous regional variation height. Second, doubling annual per capita milk consumption 1900 was probably key factor operating directly on IGF-1 concentration. Third, public-health measures, such iodine-deficiency prophylaxis weekly tablets schoolchildren iodized table salt, introduced 1920s, may largely responsible dramatic increase during interwar period. Since years), positive trend slowed down, shape evolved from growth breadth. Precisely how today's complex genetic, epigenetic, environmental, factors limiting promoting breadth excess operates yet be completely understood.