Have you ever wondered what it would be like to tower over everyone else? The tallest person in the world holds a record that’s hard to beat, and their story is as intriguing as it is unusual. From towering over furniture to struggling with everyday items, life at such an extreme height comes with its own set of challenges.

When we talk about the tallest person in the world, we’re not just talking numbers. We’re talking about lives shaped by extraordinary physical traits and unique experiences. Whether you're curious about current records or historical figures, this article dives into everything you need to know about the tallest people in history—and the science behind extreme human height.

So, if you’ve ever found yourself Googling “tallest person in the world,” you're not alone. This topic continues to capture the imagination of people across the globe. Let’s explore the lives of these remarkable individuals, the tallest of all time, and even peek into the lives of those who currently hold the title.

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Table of Contents

• Biography of Robert Wadlow: The Tallest Man Ever
• Current Tallest Person in the World
• How Tall Is the Tallest Person?
• Tallest Woman in the World
• Why Do People Get So Tall?
• Frequently Asked Questions

Biography of Robert Wadlow: The Tallest Man Ever

Robert Wadlow, born on February 22, 1918, in Alton, Illinois, USA, is officially recognized as the tallest person in recorded history. At the time of his death in 1940 at just 22 years old, he stood at an incredible 8 feet 11.1 inches (272 cm). That’s taller than a full-grown grizzly bear standing on its hind legs!

What’s even more fascinating is that he was still growing at the time of his death. Doctors believed he would have kept increasing in height had he lived longer. His growth was caused by a condition called hyperplasia of the pituitary gland, which led to an overproduction of growth hormone.

Robert’s life wasn’t easy. He faced a lot of physical discomfort, from finding clothes and shoes that fit to dealing with health complications. His shoes were custom-made and measured over 18 inches long. He also had limited mobility later in life due to the strain on his body from his immense size.

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Current Tallest Person in the World

As of today, the tallest living man is Sultan Kösen from Turkey. He measures 2.51 meters (8 feet 2.82 inches) tall. Sultan holds the Guinness World Record for the tallest living man and has since 2009.

Unlike Robert Wadlow, Sultan stopped growing after undergoing surgery to treat a tumor on his pituitary gland. This tumor was the cause of his extreme height, a condition known as gigantism. After successful treatment, his growth slowed down, and he now lives a relatively normal life, supported by the medical community and media attention.

Living with such a height presents daily challenges, from finding clothes that fit to navigating regular doorways. But Sultan has embraced his fame and even married in 2013, proving that life can still be fulfilling despite the physical challenges.

How Tall Is the Tallest Person?

So, just how tall is the tallest person in the world? Well, the record for the tallest human ever is held by Robert Wadlow at 8 feet 11.1 inches (272 cm). For the tallest living person, Sultan Kösen stands at 8 feet 2.82 inches (251 cm).

To put this into perspective, the average adult male in the United States is about 5 feet 9 inches tall. That means Wadlow was over three feet taller than the average man, and Kösen is more than two and a half feet taller.

• Robert Wadlow: 8'11.1" (272 cm)
• Sultan Kösen: 8'2.82" (251 cm)
• Average male height in the US: 5'9"

Tallest Woman in the World

When it comes to the tallest woman in the world, the record is a bit more contested. According to some sources, Siddiqa Parveen from Bangladesh, born in 1985, is considered the tallest living woman. Reports say she stands at around 7 feet 8 inches (234 cm), though this is not officially verified by Guinness World Records.

There are others, like Sandy Allen (who passed away in 2006), who were officially recognized as the tallest women during their lifetimes. Allen was 7 feet 7 inches tall and held the record until her death.

Like their male counterparts, these women face challenges with mobility, health, and daily life. Their conditions are often due to pituitary issues or hormonal imbalances that cause excessive growth.

Why Do People Get So Tall?

Extreme height like that of Robert Wadlow or Sultan Kösen is typically caused by a condition called gigantism. This is often due to a tumor in the pituitary gland, which leads to an overproduction of growth hormone during childhood and adolescence.

Gigantism is rare, affecting about 50 to 100 people per million. It can lead to a variety of health complications, including joint pain, cardiovascular problems, and diabetes. In many cases, medical intervention such as surgery or medication can help stop further growth and manage symptoms.

So while we may find it fascinating to look at the tallest people in the world, it’s important to remember that their lives are often filled with medical challenges and physical discomfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the tallest person alive in the world today?

The tallest living person in the world today is Sultan Kösen from Turkey, who stands at 8 feet 2.82 inches (2.51 meters) tall. He has held this record since 2009 after undergoing treatment for a pituitary tumor that caused his excessive growth.

What is the tallest height a human has ever reached?

The tallest person in recorded history was Robert Wadlow from the United States. He reached a height of 8 feet 11.1 inches (272 cm) before his death in 1940. He was still growing at the time of his passing.

Is the tallest woman in the world officially recognized?

There is some debate about who currently holds the title for the tallest woman in the world. Siddiqa Parveen from Bangladesh is often cited as the tallest living woman at around 7 feet 8 inches (234 cm), though this is not officially verified. Sandy Allen, who passed away in 2006, was the last officially recognized tallest woman at 7 feet 7 inches.

Learn more about gigantism and human growth disorders on our site.

Want to know more about rare human conditions? Check out our guide on medical oddities and records.

For more on unusual human achievements, visit our article on Guinness World Records.