Have you ever looked at a 6-feet plus woman and thought, "Is she for real?” Or are you one of those women who love heels but wears flats just to look a little bit shorter? Well, the good news is you are not alone as that's how many women around the world feel.

So, you might be wondering, "What is the average height for a woman?” Actually, there is no real average height of women worldwide. Height can be affected by various factors such as genetics, hormones, sex, nutrition, sleep, location, and even.

Facts About Average Height for Women

1. The average height of American women

According to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average height of American women is presently 5 feet, 4 inches. Studies have shown that ethnic background influences the average height of women.

A study carried out from 2011 to 2014 by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) shows how this has affected the height of women from different cultures within the United States:

• Non-Hispanic white women stood 64.1 inches tall, and non-Hispanic black women were ahead by 0.1 inches with an average height of 64.2 inches.

• Non-Hispanic Asian women recorded an average height of 61.8 inches. Hispanic women, including Mexican-American women, reached an average height of 62.0 inches. The average height of Mexican-American women was noted as 61.9 inches.

2. Variation in average height of American women

In the early 1900s, American women had an average height of 5 feet, 2 inches. In the 1950s, they averaged 5 feet, 3 inches. Latest statistics show the average height of women in America is around 5 foot, 4 inches. This indicates that there has been an increase in the average height of American women over the last few decades, albeit very slowly. Studies indicate that the quality of nutrition received in the early years along with the lifestyle of an individual can greatly influence his/her potential height. Relocation of people from different nations and the lack of professional obstetric and child healthcare facilities can be other possible reasons for this slowdown in growth.

3. Statistics on the global average height of women

Many sources state that the average height of an adult female globally is 5 feet, 3 inches or 5 feet, 4 inches, but there is no official data that supports this claim.

Women in China and India account for 18 percent of the world population, so any change in the average height of women in these countries could make a substantial difference in the worldwide average height.

Here are some statistics for the average height of women worldwide:

• The average heights for women in the U.S. and Canada are roughly the same, while the average in Mexico is a little below 5 feet, 2 inches.

• The average height of women in a lot of European countries, including the Netherlands, is 5 feet, 6 inches.

• In India and some countries in Central and South America, Asia, and Southeast Asia, the average height of women is 5 feet.

• In China, the average woman stands 5 feet, 1 inch to 5 feet, 2 inches tall. Records show a steady increase of 1.2 inches or more in the average height of Chinese girls, so the future population averages for China will be higher.

• The BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) states that the average height for women in South Asia and Guatemala is under 5 feet.

Correlation Between Your Height and Weight

One of the ways to figure out how healthy you are is to find out your body mass index (BMI). BMI is a measurement that is calculated using the weight and height of an individual. This value will help you understand if you are underweight, healthy, overweight, or obese.

• Underweight: BMI is less than 18.5
• Normal weight: BMI is 18.5 to 24.9
• Overweight: BMI is 25 to 29.9
• Obese: BMI is 30 or more

According to reports, the average American woman has a BMI of 26.5 which puts them in the overweight category. Being overweight for your height can lead to a host of medical issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

Ways to Increase Height

Though most of the factors that determine your height (like your genes, environment, etc.) are not in your control, there are a few things you can do to add at least a few inches to your height.

• You should try to set aside a minimum of 2-3 hours every week for activities like walking, yoga, and gardening which will revitalize your mind and body. If you like high-energy sports like running and cycling, spending just 1-1.5 hours a week can make quite a difference.

• Nutrition is an important aspect affecting your height that is often ignored. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, fat-free dairy, chicken, eggs, seafood, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.

• It is important to get a good amount of sleep, at least 6-8 hours a day, as sleep helps promote growth hormones.

• If you have tried everything else and still don't see any improvement in your height, make an appointment with a doctor who may recommend treatment with growth hormones.

Bottom Line

No official data has ever been published stating a global average for women's height as this is dependent on many factors. In the United States, women currently average around 5 feet, 4 inches tall.

Instead of worrying about your height, you should focus on maintaining a healthy BMI by giving your body the proper nutrition it deserves and making time for some physical activity in your daily routine.