El enanismo es una anomalía por la que un individuo tiene una estatura considerablemente inferior al común de su especie. Va ganando aceptación en diferentes países del mundo hispano el uso de la expresión "persona de talla baja", debido a que el término "enano" o "enana" se puede considerar en ocasiones como ofensivo. Entre los humanos, suele considerarse persona de talla baja al hombre que mida menos de 1,40 metros, y en las mujeres a las que miden menos de 1,30 metros, es decir, estadísticamente por debajo de tres desviaciones estándar de la media de la población, no obstante estas cifras han de manejarse con cautela, pues dependen del grupo poblacional a que pertenece el individuo y se debe considerar también la altura de los progenitores. Algunos enanos, sin embargo, no han sobrepasado los 64 cm al alcanzar la madurez esquelética.

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Dwarfism occurs when an organism is short in stature from a medical condition that caused slow growth. In humans, dwarfism is sometimes defined as an adult height of less than 4 feet 10 inches (58 in; 147 cm). Dwarfism can be caused by more than 300 medical conditions, such that the symptoms of individuals with dwarfism vary greatly. Disproportionate dwarfism is characterized by one or more body parts being relatively large or small in comparison to those of an average-sized adult, with growth variations in specific areas. In cases of proportionate dwarfism, the body appears normally proportioned, but is unusually small. Low muscle tone, is common but intelligence and lifespan are usually normal. Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Those with bone growth disorders can sometimes be treated with surgery. Some hormone disorders can be treated with hormone replacement therapy before the child's growth plates fuse. Individual accommodations, such as specialized furniture, are often used by people with dwarfism. Many support groups provide services to aid individuals and the discrimination they may face. In addition to the medical aspect of the condition, there are also social aspects. For a person with dwarfism, height discrimination can lead to ridicule in childhood and discrimination in adulthood. In the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, and other English-speaking countries, some people with dwarfism prefer to be called "little people". Historically, the term "midget" was used to describe "proportionate dwarfs"; however, this term is now regarded as offensive by some.

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