Stunted Growth Concerns / Question
Published: May 8, 2002
Dear TeenHealthFX,
Hey! I am 15, I play football and I belong to a gym and stuff like that. Actually my football team is doing really well, really well. We are going to win the championship this year, we are, ha ha. I'm a pretty big guy, I'm 6 foot 3 inches and 220 pounds and I kick ass on the football field. I am really tall but it is not excessive, so I like my height, but I am still growing, how can I stop, what is best? Should I go to my doctor and ask for growth stunting pills or working out to stunt my growth plates? I don't want to be any taller so I am doing something regardless, but what is the best solution.
Signed: Big Guy With Big Concerns - Q 2
Dear Big Guy With Big Concerns - Q 2,
The only solution is to let nature take its course. Doing anything to try and alter your genetic predisposition could cause serious harm to your body. TeenHealthFX is not aware of any doctor who would assist you in this goal. If you try to purposely stunt your growth, by damaging growth plates through lifting heavy weights you will do irreversible damage to your bone structure. You then would be "Big Guy With Really Big Regrets."
It sounds like things are going very well for you and your football team. Why would you do anything to put this in jeopardy? Talk to your coach, we are sure that he will give you the same advice.
If your physical appearance is causing you that much worry perhaps talking to your doctor or the school nurse would help ease some of your concerns.
If you live in northern New Jersey you can make an appointment with a doctor from the Adolescent/Young Adult Center For Health by calling 973.971.6475.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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