Will a 158.7 cm Tall High School Boy Still Grow Taller?

Is it possible for a male student in the first year of high school, who is less than 160 cm tall, to grow taller?

Currently, I am a first-year student in a vocational school, with a height of less than 160 cm (158.7 cm).
I have visited many hospitals since the ninth grade and have had hand X-rays taken, all of which indicated that I would not grow any taller.
However, a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner said that I might still grow taller! I have also taken Chinese herbal medicine, but there has been almost no increase in height.
My father is nearly 180 cm tall, while my mother is shorter than I am.
Is this due to my mother’s height? Does this mean I will not grow any taller? I have already developed secondary sexual characteristics.
The doctor prescribed calcium and zinc supplements, which I have been taking.
Being short has caused many difficulties, even making it hard for me to find a part-time job.

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/10/25

Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition

Hello! Typically, if the growth plates at the ends of the hand bones have closed, the chances of increasing height are quite low, but it is not entirely impossible.
You are currently in high school, and you can still promote growth through good lifestyle habits, a balanced diet, and moderate jumping exercises.
Growth hormone secretion is most active at night, so it is best to go to sleep between 10 PM and 11 PM and aim for at least 8 hours of sleep each night.
During the week, try to consume foods high in calcium, and it is recommended to drink 2 cups of low-fat milk daily (each cup being 240 cc).
You should also engage in moderate jumping exercises, such as skipping rope or playing basketball, but avoid excessive activity to prevent sports injuries.
Wishing you health and happiness! Sincerely, Dietitian Shih Kuei-Mei, Director of the Nutrition Department, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2015/10/25

More Info

When it comes to growth in height, especially during adolescence, there are several factors to consider. Based on your situation as a 158.7 cm tall high school boy, it seems that you have already undergone some physical changes associated with puberty, including the development of secondary sexual characteristics. This is an important indicator that your body is transitioning into adulthood, and it typically suggests that the growth plates in your bones may be closing soon.

From the information you've provided, it appears that multiple medical professionals have assessed your growth potential through X-rays of your hand, which is a common method to evaluate the status of growth plates. If they have indicated that your growth plates are closed, it is unlikely that you will experience significant increases in height. Growth plates, or epiphyseal plates, are areas of developing cartilage tissue near the ends of long bones. Once these plates close, which usually occurs after puberty, further height increase is generally not possible.

You mentioned that your father is nearly 180 cm tall, while your mother is shorter. Genetic factors play a significant role in determining height, and it is common for children to fall somewhere between the heights of their parents. The average height prediction can be calculated using the mid-parental height formula, which suggests that boys typically grow to a height that is the average of their parents' heights plus a few additional centimeters. In your case, this could explain why you might not reach the same height as your father.

Regarding the advice from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioners, it is important to approach such claims with caution. While TCM may offer various treatments and herbal remedies that some believe can promote growth, there is limited scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of these methods, especially after the growth plates have closed. The use of calcium and zinc supplements, as prescribed by your doctor, can support overall health and bone density but are unlikely to influence height significantly at this stage.

Feeling self-conscious about height is common, especially during high school, where social dynamics can be influenced by physical appearance. It's important to focus on aspects of your health and well-being that you can control, such as maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and fostering positive relationships with peers. Height does not define your worth or capabilities, and many successful individuals come in all shapes and sizes.

If you are feeling overwhelmed by your height and its impact on your life, consider speaking with a counselor or therapist who can help you navigate these feelings. They can provide support and strategies to build self-esteem and cope with any challenges you may face in social or work environments.

In conclusion, while it is understandable to hope for further growth, the likelihood of significant height increase after the closure of growth plates is minimal. Emphasizing your strengths, interests, and personal development can lead to a more fulfilling and confident life, regardless of your height.

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