How did Utahns get so tall

Utah men have an average height. The Utah man is 5 foot 10.6 inches while the women 5 foot 4.7 inches. That makes Utah and Wyoming the tallest average states in the U.S. Minnesota and Oregon are next on the list and Hawaii comes in as the shortest.

Why do you think Utah has such a tall populace? Here are some theories:

Higher Ground: When doing this research, I found that Utah stands among the three tallest states in elevation. So perhaps our elevated physical state has lifted our physical stature as well.

Optimistic Attitude: I think there is an argument for the pioneer spirit, the belief that you can overcome difficulties, that gives Utahns the capacity to believe things can work out. Then we must ask, does positivity make you taller or are you more positive because you are taller? It's the classic question, "Which came first the height or the optimism?"

On the one side, there are many documented advantages to being tall. Tall men statistically have an advantage in career advancement, a documented confidence boost and of course, you can reach products on the top shelf at the grocery store.

But could a positive attitude give you a few extra inches? A particular Study claims that positivity can add a few inches to one's height.

Our research shows that people who believe they're growing are likely to become taller.

This could be due to a number of reasons including simple explanations like confident people stand taller and when you believe in positive results you will stick to a healthy routine. 

Sunshine The West is famous for its abundant sunshine, which provides the all-important vitamin D. This vitamin is essential for bone growth and development, and, lo and behold, sunshine helps the body produce it naturally. With the West's seemingly endless days of sun, it's no wonder they might be basking in the benefits of added height.

Frontier Foods Traditional Western cuisine often includes hearty, nutrient-rich fare like lean meats and grains. The combination of a balanced diet and the energy needed for life on the frontier may have contributed to taller stature.

The Great Outdoors: We have an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities are popular pastimes, and they come with a side of fresh air and exercise. Could all that outdoor adventure be stretching us to new heights?