Dr. Hannan's study, in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research last week, found that men over age 70 who lose 2 or more inches in two years have a 54% higher risk of fracturing a hip in the next two years than men who lose less height.

WSJ: Health Journal: Yes, You Are Getting Shorter

Elderly women who lose that much height that fast have a 21% higher risk of hip fracture, said the study, which examined data from over 3, 000 adults from the Framingham Heart Study.

WSJ: Health Journal: Yes, You Are Getting Shorter

Finally, in order to lose 15 pounds in 30 days, at your height, weight and age, you would need to reach a 1750 calorie deficit every day.

CNN: Is it possible to lose 15 pounds in one month?

Because men typically have more muscle mass than women and lose bone more slowly, underlying health problems may be much more advanced by the time the height loss becomes apparent, says Sundeep Khosla, an endocrinologist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.

WSJ: Health Journal: Yes, You Are Getting Shorter