For most teens, turning 16 is a big achievement. Around this age, differences in physical development become more apparent. While girls are almost finished growing, boys are often just getting started, which results in a difference in their heights. So, how tall on average is a 16-year-old teen?
What is the average height for 16-year-old boys and girls?
Teenage boys and girls will have a growth spurt when they reach puberty, which will significantly impact their height. However, because boys and girls are born differently, they will enter puberty at different times, which varies the rate of growth. Girls commonly gain between 1 and 2 inches (2.54 to 5.08 centimeters) per year during puberty. On the other hand, boys can grow up to 3 inches (7.62 centimeters) annually.
Teenage girls often start going through puberty between the ages of 8 and 10, and they go through a significant growth spurt between the ages of 10 and 14. The typical age range for teen boys is late, beginning between 9 and 14 years old.
The average height for a 16-year-old boy
16-year-old boys’ height will range from 62.5 to 73.6 inches (158.84 and 187.09 cm). So, the average height for boys at this age is 68.3 inches (173.61 cm). (1)
The average height for a 16-year-old girl
16-year-old girls’ height measurements will range from 59.2 to 68.8 inches (150.42 to 174.77 cm). The average height of girls in this age group is 64 inches (162.57 cm). (1)
Since girls reach puberty earlier than boys, they typically grow bigger than boys before the age of 16. Afterward, their height differences are not very noticeable. In contrast, guys frequently grow noticeably at this age since they start puberty later than young girls.
How to get taller at 16?
These average heights should not be your only consideration because they reveal nothing about your health. These “standards” can be used to see if you are shorter than the recommended height. So what should you do if you are shorter and want to grow taller? These are some crucial factors that also influence your growth ability.
Getting enough vitamin D
The only way food and lifestyle changes will help you become taller is if your body gets enough vitamin D. The body’s capacity to absorb calcium, which promotes the growth of bones and muscles, depends critically on this vitamin.
Teens at the age of 16 should ensure an intake of no more than 4,000 IU of vitamin D per day for healthy growth. Sunlight in the morning is an exceptionally simple way to receive this vitamin. A 30-minute exercise session in the early sun will help you gain height and strength. Vitamin D can also be present in food sources such as dairy products, mushroom, egg yolk, organ meats, and fortified cereals.
Having a nutritious diet
To properly grow taller at the age of 16, you should maintain a balanced diet. It should contain items from all four major nutritional groups. Carbohydrates are the body’s main energy source and are essential for the development of cells and tissues. Healthy fats are responsible for delivering nutrients that support the proper functioning of the brain and nervous system. Protein is required for the growth of the body’s tissues, muscles, cartilage, bones, and organs. Last but not least, vitamins and minerals are crucial for the typical growth and function of every organ in the body.
Staying hydrated
Water helps boost the performance of cells that are responsible for absorbing vitamins and minerals. It also speeds up the integration process and filters out harmful compounds in the body, which improves metabolism. These are critical for your 16-year-old body to develop better.
At the age of 16, depending on your physique, it is recommended that you should have between 64 to 88 ounces of water throughout the day. You should drink extra to remain hydrated if you are participating in any additional active activities.
Exercising
At 16, teens should participate in activities to gain muscle to release growth hormones. As they promote cell development and repair, these hormones are, as we all know, essential for physical growth. It is recommended that you should stay active for at least an hour each day. Outdoor activities are strongly suggested since they not only promote more efficient bone, cartilage, and skeletal tissue formation but also strengthen your immune system.
Getting proper sleep
The recommended amount of sleep for teenagers at the age of 16 is between 8 and 10 hours. Human growth hormone (HGH) is most abundantly released between the hours of 10 PM and 1 AM.
In order to get healthy sleep, you should avoid foods and drinks 30 minutes before bed, especially sugary snacks. You should adopt winding-down routines, such as reading before bedtime and avoiding electronics. These devices’ blue lights can disrupt your circadian rhythms and make it more difficult to fall asleep at night.
Correcting your body posture
Our back must naturally flex in three different positions. Yet, if you constantly slouch or hunch, these curves may shift to reflect your new posture. This may result in you looking shorter than you truly are.
As you will spend a lot of time sitting in class, it is vital to create a habit of sitting with the correct posture. Keep your feet flat on the ground and your legs straight. Consider adjusting your posture or occasionally standing up to prevent tension or strain in the body.
Staying away from bad habits
Children tend to be drawn to junk food and sweet snacks. As sweets can sate an endlessly craving appetite, teenagers may consume more sodium and sugar, which may cause a spike in blood pressure and blood glucose. Surely you can still have some snacks, but remember to not abuse this kind of food for a healthy body.
Overeating is another bad habit. In the most extreme cases, it might even be considered a disorder. As young adults at the age of 16, you should choose a healthy diet and active lifestyle. Overeating can lead to obesity and diabetes. They might prevent your bones from growing properly and from releasing growth hormones.
Using height-increased dietary supplements
In some circumstances, especially with a short period remaining for growth at 16, taking a height-increase supplement is encouraged. It is loaded with the nutrients needed to promote height and natural growth rate for you during this age for better physical development. The product may not be beneficial if you have passed your growth phase, so always check with your doctor before consuming.
Final thoughts
At the age of 16, the time for you to grow taller is not that much left. So it is important to make the most out of this time to grow as much as you can. You need to have a healthy and active lifestyle, maintain a balanced and nutritious diet, and get enough sleep. Taking advantage of height-increasing supplements is another possibility. You should talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about your growth rate.
- Related post: How to increase height after 18?
Valerie Aubree is an expert in the field of health, currently the admin of the website Supplementchoices.com. I enjoy listening to music, watching movies and participating in community health activities.
