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The pros and cons of becoming the world's tallest man

(BBC 17/09/2009)

At 8ft 1in (2.47m), Sultan Kosen, from Turkey, is about 4in (10cm) taller than previous title-holder Bao Xishun. The 27-year-old's hands measure 10.8in (27.5cm) and his feet 14.3in (36.5cm). Mr Kosen, whose height is due to the medical condition pituitary gigantism, said he hoped his new-found fame would bring him love for the first time. "The first thing I want to do is have a car that I can fit in, but more than that I want to get married," he said.

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Tall people lead 'better lives'

(BBC 09/09/2009)

Taller people live better lives, according to US researchers. More than 454,000 adults aged 18 and over were asked by phone for their height and evaluate their lives. Overall, taller individuals judged their lives more favourably and were more likely to report positive emotions such as enjoyment and happiness. Reporting to the journal Economics and Human Biology, they conclude that this is because the taller people also had higher incomes and education.

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