Being Tall Has Disadvantages Too: 5 Common Health Issues You Didn't Know About

Most people, especially those who crave height, look up quite literally at people who are tall and thought, "Lucky them!" From reaching the top shelf with ease to standing out in a crowd, height often seems like a highly desired trait. But here's the twist: Being tall isn't always a free pass to better health. According to the research published on National Institutes of Health, greater height is associated with a higher risk of several specific health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, and some specific musculoskeletal issues. Here are some of the lesser-known health issues tall people are more likely to face.

5 Common Health Issues Tall People May Face

1. Extra Strain On The Heart And Blood Vessels

As per the European Journal of Medical Research, heart issues like atrial fibrillation and venous thromboembolism are more prevalent in taller patients.

Dr. Amite Pankaj Aggarwal, Principal Director & HOD - Orthopaedics & Joint Replacement at Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, said, "Taller people have a bigger body and longer blood vessels. The heart has to pump blood over a longer distance, especially up to the brain. This can slightly increase the heart's workload. However, good fitness, diet, and blood pressure control play a much bigger role in heart health." So while being tall doesn't automatically mean heart trouble, the mechanics of circulation are undeniably more demanding. According to Dr Aggarwal, good fitness, diet, and blood pressure control play a much bigger role in heart health.

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2. Higher Risk Of Joint And Back Problems

If you're tall, chances are you've heard someone say, "You must have back pain!" And unfortunately, they might not be wrong. Dr. Aggarwal explained, "In tall individuals, body weight and movement create more pressure on joints like knees, hips, and the spine. Over time, this extra load can lead to faster wear and tear. This increases the chances of joint pain, early arthritis, and long-term back problems."

More height often means more weight, and that translates into greater stress on the body's support structures. This is why tall people are more prone to conditions like osteoarthritis and chronic back pain, especially if they don't maintain good posture or core strength.

3. Breathing Efficiency And Lung Function

You must have thought that tall people seem to have an advantage here as larger lungs mean more capacity. Dr. Aggarwal noted, "Taller people usually have larger lungs, which is helpful. However, poor posture, common in tall individuals who tend to slouch, can restrict chest movement. Spinal problems can also affect breathing efficiency, causing breathlessness during activity, even when the lungs themselves are healthy."

So, if you are tall, which then means you have a plus-size lung, posture plays a important role in maintaining its proper health. Slouching may restrict breathing efficiency by limiting diaphragmatic movement and compressing the chest cavity, according to studies published by the National Institutes of Health. Over time, this can lead to reduced stamina and discomfort during physical activity.

4. Sports And Ligament Injuries

Height often comes with long limbs, which have both pros and cons in sports as well. "Longer arms and legs act like longer levers. During sports, this increases stress on muscles and ligaments, especially in the knees and ankles. Sudden turns, jumps, or falls can cause more strain, making tall people more prone to ligament tears and muscle injuries," Dr Aggarwal explained.

This means that while tall athletes may excel in basketball or volleyball, they also face a higher risk of injuries. The biomechanics of longer limbs make movements more forceful, but also more vulnerable to strain. Experts advise a proper training regime, warm-ups, and strength conditioning become even more important for tall individuals who love sports.

5. Spinal Disc Degeneration And Chronic Back Pain

The spine is another area where height can become a liability. The longer spine simply has more weight and stress to bear. Combine that with modern lifestyles hours spent sitting at desks or hunched over laptops and the risk of disc degeneration rises significantly.

"A taller spine means more pressure on the discs between the bones of the back. Over the years, this constant stress can damage these discs. Poor posture, long sitting hours, and weak core muscles further increase the risk of disc problems and long-lasting back pain," Dr Aggarwal said.

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Height is often celebrated, and rightly so it comes with advantages in everyday life and even in certain sports. But it's important to recognise that being tall also places unique demands on the body.

Height isn't destiny. As Dr. Aggarwal reminds us, fitness, diet, and lifestyle choices play a far greater role in long-term health than height alone. So, if you're tall, you need not overthink, just pay attention to posture, strengthen your core, and take care of your joints. After all, standing tall should feel like a blessing, not a burden.

Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.