Over the past 150 years, significant changes have occurred in the human body, including puberty, height, and lifespan…
Surprising Changes in the Human Body Over 150 Years
1. Increase in Height
Evidence suggests that human height has significantly increased over the past 200 years. A study published in the journal Elife indicates that both male and female bodies across different regions have shown a marked increase in height. Notably, South Korean women have grown an average of 20.2 cm taller, while Iranian men have increased by 16.5 cm compared to historical averages.
Human height has significantly increased over the past 200 years.
2. Body Temperature
While global temperatures are rising, human body temperature is on the decline. Researchers from Stanford University have confirmed that the average human body temperature in the 21st century is 0.6ºC lower than that of the 19th century. Additionally, data from the 1800s indicate a decrease of approximately 0.36ºC in human body temperature.
3. Earlier Puberty
Compared to a century ago, the age of maturity for teenagers today is significantly lower. This change may be attributed to improved nutrition and healthcare systems. According to research from the University of California, 15% of girls now begin puberty at the age of 7. The onset of puberty is estimated to have decreased by 1 to 2 years since the early 20th century.
4. Lifespan
Thanks to advancements in science, medicine, and other factors, the average human lifespan has increased significantly. A report from the Santa Lucía Institute in Spain predicts that human lifespan will continue to rise over the next 120 years. Comparing data from the early 20th century, where only 26.2% of the global population lived to 65, the current average lifespan is now 79 years. It is likely that in the next generation, many individuals will become “supercentenarians”—those living beyond 110 years.
5. Disappearing Body Parts in the Future
Another interesting fact is that certain parts of the human body are expected to gradually disappear in the coming years. For instance, some individuals are born without wisdom teeth. This phenomenon may be due to dietary changes leading to a reduction in jaw size. Additionally, the palmaris longus muscle, which runs from the elbow to the wrist and was originally developed for climbing, is also disappearing.
6. Obesity Rates
According to research from the World Health Organization, obesity rates have tripled since 1975. Data from 2016 show that over 1.9 billion adults are overweight, with more than 650 million classified as obese. Experts indicate that changes in dietary habits and physical activity levels are results of a lack of attention to health, along with issues related to medical care, education, and the environment.
