Height / Question
Published: October 13, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
This is a bit strange for me considering everyone who posts here is 14-15, but hey, why not give it a shot? I'm a 20-year-old male who has been smoking cigs since I was 14 years old. For the last two years until last week I had worked my way up to a pack a day. Not very good and I understand that. So the lecture on TeenHealthFX strongly recommends blah blah isn't required. I'm an adult not a child and understand the risks and damages I brought on to my body. I know this is a fairly frequent question- but I recently quit. It's been a week now. And things are a lot better! My question- I'm 5'9 currently and have been looking for information on the growth cycle. After I quit smoking I've gotten a second wind and have been exercising regularly and eating better. Is their any chance of my body picking up where it left off with regards to the growth cycle-my height? This considering my current health and activeness, etc. has improved dramatically since I quit. Am I done growing or is there a slight possibility I might gain an inch or two? Thanks.
Signed: 20 YO Male - Quit Smoking, Will I Gain Height?
Dear 20 YO Male - Quit Smoking, Will I Gain Height?,
Congratulations on quitting smoking, and we will honor your request to dispense with the lectures about cigarettes!
It sounds like you think cigarette smoking may have stunted your growth. We do not have evidence that this is an effect of smoking. Your height is determined by genes, so one good way to judge how tall you will ultimately grow is to look at your parents and grandparents.
Men usually have their biggest growth spurt between ages 16 and 18, but some keep growing into their twenties so it is technically possible that you will grow a little bit more. Unfortunately, how much more you grow is really out of your control.
However, we are happy to hear you are taking such good care of yourself. Keep it up!
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Adolescents are more likely than young adults to become dependent on prescription medications.
