Children from hills in India more likely to have stunted growth: Study

New Delhi, April 27 -- Children living in India's hills and mountains, especially at higher altitudes, are more likely to experience stunted growth, according to a recent research analyzing data from over 165,000 children under five years old in the country.

The study found that stunting was more common among third-born children and those with smaller sizes at birth. The prevalence of stunting was 36 per cent, with higher rates among older children. Living at altitudes above 2000 meters increased the risk by 40 per cent, as per research published in the open access journal BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health.

GPS data were used to categorise altitude level while the World Health Organization (WHO) standard was used to define stunting.

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