Height Growth of Children
My son is 19 years old. For almost 3 years now his height has not increased. He is 5′6″. There is no one in our family who is taller than that. I want to ask you
1. Are there any chances that his height can increase now?
2. If yes, at the most to what extent?
3. Are the products advertised on TV, like Yoko and other syrups, useful?
4. What are the exercises he should do to gain height and what should he eat (being a vegetarian)?
1. There are no chances of increase in height now, by natural process.
2. With surgical methods, viz., the Illizarow technique, height can be boosted, but the risks of complications are high, it is time consuming and also very costly. I would not advise it at all. This is only for your information.
3. The products promoted on TV are mere advertising hoaxes. They are not proven, non scientific and fraught with risks.
4. There are no exercises that can increase his height at this age. During the growth period, viz., up to 18 years in boys, participating in games and sports coupled with high protein intake helps add an inch or two.
My children are 46″ and 40″ in height respectively. My own is 5′1 “. I want their height to be more than mine at least. Kindly clarify:
1. Whether their growth is normal.
2. Is there any medicine to increase the height without causing any side effects/adverse effect?
3. I have heard of growth hormones, but do not know how to administer such drugs. Please advice on the above.
Your children’s height is less than the average of kids of that age. Though exceptions are seen, height of children is mainly dependent on that of parents. Tonics and vitamins are of no use in such cases. If you want to consider the growth hormone option, you must consult a pediatric endocrinologist, who will ask for certain tests and then decide whether these drugs should be given to your children or not.