On the secular trends of Vietnamese during the XX century

By collecting and analyzing available data on anthropometric measurements (height, weight) of Vietnamese during the XX century, it is shown that during 50 years (1938-1985) there is no change in average height and weight of Vietnamese. This situation can be attributed to the sequelae of long war period. From the recent set of data published in 2003, a trend of growth acceleration of Vietnamese has been revealed. At present, the average height of male adult is 163cm7, 3cm7 taller than in 1975 and of the women is 153cm, 3cm taller than in 1975. A system of growth monitoring and surveillance should be established in order to follow scientifically this positive and important situation.