Innovation in Aging, 2018 The close inverse relationship between male and female height and life expectancy. By Samaras T, Marson S, & Lillis J. Abstract Many papers have provided reasons for why women live longer than men. These include XX vs. XY chromosomes, sex hormones, and better care of their health. In addition, males experience more deaths from homicides and risky behavior. These factors certainly can affect male and female health, but none has been proven to explain the actual […]
Abstract Samaras Thomas T. Why Smaller Humans are in our Future. Policy Innovation, Carnegie Council 10/20/2014 Evidence for “Less is More” in relation to the human body In nature, when animals get big, their numbers decline to match the resources available. Humans are violating this biological rule by producing not only larger beings but more of them. Since larger people (taller and heavier) require much more of virtually everything, we are aggravating resource, food, and water shortages, and accelerating environmental […]
Abstract Numerous Western studies have shown a negative correlation between height and cardiovascular disease. However, these correlations do not prove causation. This review provides a variety of studies showing short people have little to no cardiovascular disease. When shorter people are compared to taller people, a number of biological mechanisms evolve favoring shorter people, including reduced telomere shortening, lower atrial fibrillation, higher heart pumping efficiency, lower DNA damage, lower risk of blood clots, lower left ventricular hypertrophy and superior blood […]
Journal of the World Health Nutrition Association, Volume 3, Number 2, March 2011 Commentary. Human growth, height, size: Reasons to be small Thomas T. Samaras [Abstract] This paper warns of the worldwide dangers related to increasing growth and body size. Samaras explores the impact of increasing body size on performance, intelligence, the environment, resource consumption, and fiscal costs. Numerous examples of his findings are illustrated. For translations in 21 languages of this commentary click here.
Journal of Chinese Clinical Medicine Volume 5 | Number 2 | February 2010 Role of Height in Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease Thomas T. Samaras [Abstract] Findings are presented showing how height relates to cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The preponderance of evidence shows that height is positively correlated with cancer. However, studies on height and CVD are not consistent, and the causes for this conflict are explored. The role of nutrition in promoting rapid growth, greater height and chronic diseases […]
Abstract Findings supporting the counter intuitive thesis that smaller body size promotes greater health and longevity are reviewed. In addition, the risks of promoting further growth through genetic manipulation are explored in relation to chronic disease and longevity. Supporting examples from animal research are also covered. The biological mechanisms that relate to height and longevity conclude the review. Key words: longevity, nutrition, growth, body height, chronic disease To download the full article click here
Tom’s Online Publications
Over the years Tom Samaras has published many articles world wide. Below you will find a collection of his on-line publications.
Related studies by other researchers
- Martinez JA, et al. Mortality of NBA players. Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 500; View here
- Ma W, et al. Adult height, dietary patterns and healthy aging. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2017, 106, 2, 589-596. View here
- Lemez S, et al. Do “big guys” really die younger? PLoS ONE 2017, 12(10): e0185617/ View here
- Chmielewski P. The relationship between adult stature and longevity. Anthropological Review 2016, 79(4). 439-460. View here
- Sohn K. Now, the taller die earlier: The curse of cancer. J. Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Scie 2016, 71(6): 713-719. View here
- Ringsby TH, et al. On being the right size: Increased body size is associated with reduced telomere length under natural conditions . Proceedings of The Royal Society B 2015, View here
- Shapiro, Streja, et al. Association of height with mortality in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol . 2015, View here
- He Q, et al. Shorter men live longer. 2014, PLoS ONE 9(5): e94385. View here
- Bartke A. Healthy aging: is smaller better? Gerontology 2012, 58(4): 337-343. View here
- Mueller U. and Mazur A. Tallness comes with higher mortality in two cohorts of US army officers. Paper submitted at XXVI IUSSP International Population Conference, 2009. View here
- Martinez JA, et al. Mortality of NBA players. Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 500; View here
- Ma W, et al. Adult height, dietary patterns and healthy aging. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2017, 106, 2, 589-596. View here
- Lemez S, et al. Do “big guys” really die younger? PLoS ONE 2017, 12(10): e0185617/ View here
- Chmielewski P. The relationship between adult stature and longevity. Anthropological Review 2016, 79(4). 439-460. View here
- Sohn K. Now, the taller die earlier: The curse of cancer. J. Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Scie 2016, 71(6): 713-719. View here
- Ringsby TH, et al. On being the right size: Increased body size is associated with reduced telomere length under natural conditions . Proceedings of The Royal Society B 2015, View here
- Shapiro, Streja, et al. Association of height with mortality in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol . 2015, View here
- He Q, et al. Shorter men live longer. 2014, PLoS ONE 9(5): e94385. View here
- Bartke A. Healthy aging: is smaller better? Gerontology 2012, 58(4): 337-343. View here
- Mueller U. and Mazur A. Tallness comes with higher mortality in two cohorts of US army officers. Paper submitted at XXVI IUSSP International Population Conference, 2009. View here
Latest News
A recent paper reported on the hidden benefits of shorter, smaller bodies. The report indicates that shorter, smaller people have faster reaction times, greater endurance, greater strength to weight ratio, and are more agile. They also have less cancer risk and lower intakes of toxins due to lower consumption of liquids and solid foods. See Samaras T. Hidden benefits of shorter, smaller bodies, JSRR 19(2), 2018, article no JSRR.40878. DOI: 10.9734/JSRR/2018/40878
See publication list.
Newsflash
Research by Sharrow and Anderson (PLoSOne, 2016) found that twins survived longer than singletons. While not mentioned by the authors, the facts are that twins weigh about 2 pounds less than singletons at birth and tend to grow up being slightly lighter and shorter based on other studies. Identical twins, who tend to be the smallest, had a better survival rate vs. larger fraternal twins as well.
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