Stunted Growth Concerns / Question
Published: May 7, 2002
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I am 16 soon to be 17 in 5 months, and I used to weight lift rigorously (one to two times every day) with just my upper body when I was 14 or 15. I also used to drink a fair amount of alcohol during the summer when I was training improperly. After I quit doing both things I grew a few inches over spring break, but I haven't grown since then. I was wondering if I stunted my growth and if there is any way to "un-stunt" my growth. I am currently 5'2" and I am supposed to be around 5'9" when I am fully-grown (I was half of 5'9" when I was 2 yrs. old.
Signed: Un - Stunt My Growth
Dear Un - Stunt My Growth,
Growth stunting from weight lifting is not a common occurrence but can happen when growth plates close prematurely from lifting heavy weights. For a complete explanation see Weight Lifting And Stunted Growth - In Detail. The fact that you grew "a few inches" a few months after you stopped weight lifting suggests that your growth was not impeded.
You should recognize that you were abusing your body during that time period not only by your workouts but your use of alcohol as well. If you want to build strength or endurance you should do it through a program that is reasonable and safe. An instructor at a gym or a physical education teacher at your school would be able to help you design a workout that would give you the benefits that you want, without causing harm to your body.
Drinking "a fair amount of alcohol" can also be destructive to your health not only at 14 but at any age. TeenHealthFX would strongly encourage you to seek help if you continue your drinking habits. It does not make sense that you would want to build your self up in the gym only to tear it down with alcohol.
TeenHealthFX is not sure what formula you are using to determine what your height should be. If you want a ballpark figure add up your parents height and divide by two. At 16 the likelihood is that you have not completed the growth cycle and could still add a few inches.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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