Sultan Kösen, a Turkish farmer, holds the Guinness World Record for the tallest living male today.
The World's Tallest Man: Sultan Kösen
Sultan Kösen, born on December 10, 1982, is officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the tallest living man. Hailing from Turkey, Kösen's remarkable height of 251 cm (8 ft 2.82 in) has captivated global attention.
His extraordinary growth is attributed to specific medical conditions: gigantism and acromegaly. These conditions were triggered by a tumor affecting his pituitary gland, which led to an overproduction of growth hormone. As a result of his condition, Kösen requires crutches to walk, aiding his mobility.
Key Facts About Sultan Kösen
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sultan Kösen |
| Nationality | Turkish |
| Born | December 10, 1982 |
| Height | 251 cm (8 ft 2.82 in) |
| Record Held | Tallest Living Male (Guinness World Record) |
| Condition | Gigantism and Acromegaly (pituitary tumor) |
| Mobility Aid | Uses crutches |
Understanding His Unique Condition
Sultan Kösen's height is not merely a genetic lottery but a consequence of a rare medical phenomenon.
- Gigantism typically occurs when there is an overproduction of growth hormone before the growth plates in bones fuse, leading to excessive growth in height.
- Acromegaly is a similar condition, but it occurs after the growth plates have fused, resulting in the enlargement of hands, feet, and facial features.
- In Kösen's case, a tumor on his pituitary gland was the root cause, continuously stimulating growth hormone production. This challenging condition has necessitated ongoing medical management and impacts his daily life, including his need for walking aids.
For more information on Sultan Kösen and his journey, you can visit Sultan Kösen's Profile.
