There is no absolute definition of short. Short is a relative measure.
"Short stature" has been defined by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists as height more than 2 standard deviations (SD) below the mean for age and sex. Currently, this would correspond to heights of less than 5' 3" and 4' 11" in adult men and women.
Currently, the average height of a male in the United States of America is approximately 5' 9" tall and the average height of a female in the United States of America is approximately 5' 4" tall.
NOSSA considers short stature to refer to any male person 5'7" and below and any female person 5'2" and below in height.
We based this on the results of our own research and discussions regarding short stature.
NOSSA recognizes
that people may feel short not because of some specific measure, but because of their countries of origin, workplace environment, friends or other factors.
That is why
all people who support the mission of NOSSA are welcome to apply for membership in our organization.
We also recognize that some men who are 5'7' and below and some women who are 5'2" and below may not feel that they are short statured.
If you wish to discuss this further with us, we invite you to join our message forums by
clicking here.
