Understanding Teenage Growth and Predicting Future Height

As a 16-year-old turning 17 this October, you might be curious about your future height. Given your current height of 6 feet 2 inches (186 cm), you might wonder if you will reach a height of 6 feet 1 inch (186 cm) or 6 feet 2 inches (187 cm) when you turn 18. This article will explore the factors that influence teenage growth and provide some insights into how you might grow in the coming years.

Factors Influencing Teenage Growth

For most individuals, growth plate activity begins to slow down around the age of 18, with many guys reaching their full height by this age. However, you could still grow a bit more, especially if you are a late bloomer. The timing of puberty can delay the growth process, so if you hit puberty relatively late, you might experience a growth spurt in your later teenage years.

Predicting Future Height

According to the research and data available, the height growth lines typically fall to zero between ages 18 and 20, indicating that most people stop growing in terms of significant height increases during this period.

One notable example comes from the author's experience with their son. By the time he turned 19, he was 64 inches tall and stopped growing at 20 years old, reaching a final height of 65 inches. This example suggests that boys can sometimes experience a later growth spurt than girls, and adding 5 inches for every inch grown taller is a reasonable estimate for future growth.

For girls, the height increase is generally less significant after the age of 16, around which time growth plates typically begin to fuse, leading to the cessation of height growth. However, for boys, there is a chance that you might still grow, although the exact amount is uncertain.

Medical Evaluation for Height Prediction

To get a more accurate prediction of your future height, you might consider visiting a pediatric endocrinologist. These specialists can examine the growth plates in your legs and determine if they have "locked" or whether you are still growing. They can also provide an estimation of how much more you might grow before your growth plates close.

Another relevant factor to consider is the growth hormone therapy. If a child is found to have a growth hormone deficiency, growth hormone injections may be recommended to stimulate growth. This hormone, produced by the pituitary gland, can potentially help boost height potential, though this is more common in medical cases of deficiency.

Additionally, the height of your parents and the height of your grandparents can also provide a good indicator of what your own height is likely to be. Genetic factors play a significant role in determining final height.

Conclusion

While it is challenging to predict your exact future height with absolute certainty, you can estimate that you are likely to stop growing by the age of 18. However, if you are a late bloomer, there is still a chance that you might grow a bit more. Consulting a medical professional for a personalized evaluation can provide more accurate insights into your growth potential.