“From growth in height to growth in breadth”: The changing body shape of Swiss conscripts since the late 19th century and possible endocrine explanations

Since the 1970s (birth years), the positive height trend slowed down, body shape in Switzerland has evolved from growth in height to growth in breadth. Precisely how today's complex of genetic, epigenetic, environmental, and endocrine factors limiting height growth and promoting body breadth and excess weight operates has yet to be completely understood.