BEIJING, June 30 -- Chinese people have grown taller and stronger over the 2002-2012 period, according to a nationwide survey released by the country's health authorities on Tuesday.

The "2015 report on Chinese nutrition and chronic disease" revealed the average height and weight of adult men was 167.1 centimeters and 66.2 kilograms in 2012, and 155.8 centimeters and 57.3 kilograms for women, both improved over 2002.

"Those between six and 17 years old showed significant increases in height and weight," it said.

Urban boys in this age group were 2.3 centimeters higher and 3.6 kilograms heavier, and girls were 1.8 centimeters higher and 2.1 kilograms heavier during 2002-2012 period.

Rural boys in this age group were 4.1 centimeters higher and 4.7 kilograms heavier, and girls 3.5 centimeters higher and 3.4 kilograms heavier in 2012 as compared to 2002 levels.

Height and weight are most frequently used in evaluating nutrition and are important for judging child growth and development, the report said.

It took researchers one and a half years to finish the report, which was based on latest data from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Cancer Center and other institutes.

Its release was announced by the National Health and Family Planning Commission during a press conference on Tuesday.

China had its first public nutrition and health survey in 2002, with results announced in 2004. Since 2004, the nation has carried out field surveys every three years to collect data on causes of death, chronic disease and other health issues.