A person’s DNA is the main factor that influences their height. However, other factors, including hormones, health conditions, and nutrition, can influence how tall a person grows during development.
Scientists believe a person’s DNA is responsible for up to 90% of their adult height. This means, for instance, that tall people tend to have children who also grow up to be tall.
People usually grow until they reach 18 years of age. Before then, a range of environmental factors can affect how tall they become.
The use of binary terms such as “male” and “female” or “men” and “women” in this article reflects the language of the sources we’ve used. Unless otherwise noted, it’s unclear whether the research we reference included participants with expansive gender identities.
People cannot control or change their DNA, which has the most influence on their adult height.
However, people may be able to influence the following factors, which may increase or reduce growth during childhood and puberty.
Nutrition in childhood
Nutrition plays an important role in growth. Children without good nutrition may not be as tall as children with adequate nutrition.
According to the
Protein and calcium are particularly
- meat
- poultry
- seafood
- eggs
- legumes
- nuts and seeds
- dairy products
- tofu
- vegetables high in protein, such as spinach, asparagus, and collard greens
Dairy products tend to be rich in calcium.
Nutrition in pregnancy
Ensuring good nutrition during pregnancy is also
Pregnant people may need to increase their intake of certain vitamins and minerals, such as folate, iron, and vitamin D.
People can speak with a healthcare professional for more advice on what they should and should not eat during pregnancy.
Getting enough sleep
Sleep
Not getting enough sleep over a long period may interfere with a person’s growth, cause other health problems, and impair a child’s ability to focus, learn, and participate in life.
Regular exercise
Regular exercise is important for proper physical development, as it supports the health of bones and muscle tissues.
For instance, playing outside or playing sports can make bones denser and stronger. Exercise is beneficial for everyone, including growing children and pregnant people.
The following factors affect how tall someone may be at various points of their development.
Age
Babies and children grow continuously. This is due to changes in the growth plates in the long bones of their arms and legs. As the growth plates make new bone, the long bones get longer, and the child gets taller.
After reaching their adult height, a person’s growth plates stop making new bone, and they will stop growing.
According to Boston Children’s Hospital, healthcare professionals consider the following growth typical in children:
| Age | Approximate growth |
|---|---|
| 0 to 12 months | 10 inches |
| 1 to 2 years | 5 inches |
| 2 to 3 years | 3.5 inches |
| 3 years until puberty | 2 inches per year |
DNA
DNA is the main factor determining a person’s height. A person inherits DNA from their parents.
Scientists have identified 12,111 different gene loci that determine height. A locus is the
Typical height ranges may differ for people from different ethnic backgrounds, with DNA being the main determinant.
Some genetic conditions, including Down syndrome and Turner syndrome, can also affect a person’s adult height.
Hormones
The body produces hormones that instruct the growth plates to make new bone. These hormones
- growth hormones
- thyroid hormones
- sex hormones, such as testosterone
According to the
| Age in years | Male height (50th percentile) | Female height (50th percentile) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 3 ft 7.4 in (110.3 cm) | 3 ft 7.1 in (109.6 cm) |
| 10 | 4 ft 6.25 in (137.8 cm) | 4 ft 6.5 (138.6 cm) |
| 15 | 5 ft 6.5 in (169 cm) | 5 ft 3.6 in (161.7 cm) |
| 19 | 5 ft 9.4 in (176.5 cm) | 5 ft 4.25 in (163.2 cm) |
Once a person has been through puberty, the growth plates stop making new bone. They fuse, and the person stops growing. This means that when an individual reaches adulthood, they cannot increase their height.
However, assuming proper posture and keeping the back and core muscles strong and engaged may allow a person to stand straighter and appear taller.
When children reach adolescence, they
In addition to the development of the sex organs, puberty also causes a general growth spurt that ends with an increase in height. If an adolescent experiences delayed puberty, they may not grow according to what is typical for their age.
There are many causes for growth delays. This includes hypogonadism, which is chronically low testosterone. This condition can delay both puberty and its associated growth spurt.
The
According to a 2020 article, the two approved formulations for this purpose are testosterone enanthate and testosterone pellets. The FDA does not approve any long term testosterone formulations for adolescents.
People should speak with a healthcare professional before taking testosterone or any other new medications.
DNA determines a person’s height. However, environmental factors, such as nutrition and exercise, can also affect growth during development.
As children age, they need good nutrition and regular exercise to help their bodies develop. Teenagers will experience a growth spurt during puberty. After that, their bones stop growing, and they do not get any taller.
A person should contact a doctor for an evaluation and treatment determination if they are concerned that their height is too low.