Can I grow 7 cm after 17?
Many young adults wonder about the possibility of height increase, particularly as they reach their late teens and early twenties. One common question is whether growth plates, which are responsible for bone growth, can still lead to an increase in height after a certain age. For instance, can someone who is 5'7" realistically grow to 6'0"? Additionally, many wonder if it’s possible to gain 7 cm after the age of 17 and whether being 5'7" is considered tall for a 16-year-old boy. Understanding how growth plates function and their role in height increase can help clarify these concerns.
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Doctors' responses
Height increase in young adults is largely determined by genetics and the closure of growth plates, which typically occurs after puberty. Once growth plates close, usually by the late teens to early twenties, further height increase is unlikely.
Q: Can I grow from 5’7" to 6’0"?
A: It is unlikely to grow from 5’7" to 6’0" after the growth plates have closed, which typically happens in late adolescence. Most males reach their final height by the age of 18-21, so if you are past this age, significant height increase is improbable.
Q: Can I grow 7 cm after 17?
A: Growing 7 cm after the age of 17 is highly unlikely for most individuals, as growth plates usually close around this age. If you are still in your growth phase, some minor increase may be possible, but significant growth is rare.
Q: Is 5’7" tall for a 16 year old boy?
A: A height of 5’7" is around the average height for a 16-year-old boy in many countries, though perceptions of height can vary. It is important to remember that growth patterns differ among individuals, and being within the average range is completely normal.
Q: Do growth plates make you taller?
A: Yes, growth plates are responsible for height increase during childhood and adolescence. They are areas of developing cartilage located at the ends of long bones, and as they grow and eventually close, height increase ceases. Once the growth plates close, no further height increase is possible.
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