As a parent, it’s natural to wonder about the timing of your son’s growth in height. Unlike girls, boys experience a slower growth rate and may stop growing taller around the age of 16. However, their muscular development may continue until they reach 18 years old [1]. It’s important to note that the growth rate varies for each individual, and some boys may continue to grow into their 20s.
If you’re interested in understanding more about the growth rate of boys, the factors that influence their height, and whether there are ways to help increase their height, continue reading.
What is the average height for boys?
Average heights are determined by considering a group of individuals and calculating the total height, which is then divided by the number of people in the study. It’s important to note that the average height for boys varies across different countries worldwide. In the United States, the average height for adult men aged 20 and above is around 5 feet 9 inches (69.1 inches or 175.4 cm).
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a growth chart for American boys between the ages of 8 and 18 years old. This chart helps track and monitor the growth patterns of boys during this period [2].
| Age (years) | Height for boys (inches and centimeters) |
| 8 | 50.4 – 128 |
| 9 | 52.6 – 133.5 |
| 10 | 54.5 – 138.5 |
| 11 | 56.4 – 143.5 |
| 12 | 58.7 – 149 |
| 13 | 61.4 – 156 |
| 14 | 64.6 – 164 |
| 15 | 66.9 – 170 |
| 16 | 68.3 – 173.5 |
| 17 | 69.1 – 175.5 |
| 18 | 69.3 – 176 |
When do boys stop growing taller?
Boys experience their fastest growth during puberty, which can vary in onset between the ages of 9 and 15. The most significant growth spurt typically occurs between the ages of 12 and 15. Puberty itself can last for a period of 2 to 5 years, and during this time, boys can grow taller by as much as 9 inches. This rapid growth often leads to some clumsiness as their arms, hands, legs, and feet undergo sudden development, requiring adjustment to their new body proportions.
The duration of puberty does not necessarily determine whether a boy will be taller than others who experience it for a shorter period. Most boys continue to grow slightly after the age of 18, as indicated by growth charts. In rare cases, growth may persist until the age of 21, and in exceptional circumstances, some individuals may even continue growing until the age of 25.
It’s important to note that the reason boys stop growing is due to the fusion of their growth plates after puberty. Growth plates are layers of cartilage located near the ends of long bones in children and young teenagers. They play a crucial role in bone elongation. Once a bone fuses, it cannot continue growing in length.
What factors affect height?
Genetics
Genes do a vital role in how tall your son will be. If both father and mother are tall, chances are the boys will be tall as well. Try a simple operation to predict the height.
- Add the height of the boy’s father and mother together.
- Divide by two.
- Add 2.5 inches to find the estimated height of your fully grown boy.
Nutrition
Besides genetics, nutrition is the most important factor that affects height growth. A proper diet high in calcium and protein is necessary for making the bones stronger and denser. Hence, parents should include foods like eggs, chicken, milk, yogurt, legumes, oranges, and soybeans in a wholesome diet.
Lacking vitamin D might cause stunted growth because this vitamin supports absorbing calcium, which is imperative for bone health. So, make sure your son eats adequate foods like tuna, salmon, and almonds, and do not forget to spend some time in the sun.
Also, adding foods rich in arginines like peanuts, pork loins, and peanuts can enhance HGH production. Just a small amount of 5-9 g of arginine per day might lead to 100% more HGH release [3].
Exercise
Exercises help boost stamina, enhance metabolism, and increase HGH production. And if doing exercise regularly, your body fat will be reduced as well, which boosts growth.
Sleep duration and quality
When sleeping, the body produces growth hormone and thyroid-stimulating hormone. Both are crucial for the proper development of bones. Getting 7-9 hours of deep sleep every night is necessary because 70% of hormone release occurs shortly after falling asleep [4].
Posture
Maintaining an upright posture will not only make you look tall but also ensure proper body alignment. Keep your chin high, shoulder back, and hips directly over your feet while standing, walking, and sitting to keep proper curvature.
Puberty timing
Many reckon that boys who start puberty earlier might grow up to be taller adults. But it is hard for them to reach their adult height potential if left untreated. On the contrary, boys who start late might grow quicker to catch up with their peers.
Medications
Using stimulant medications to treat deficit disorder might cause delays in growth. For instance, stimulants to treat ADHD result in a temporary halt in both increases in weight and height.
Health conditions
Different genetic or chronic diseases might have a negative impact on potential growth. This includes conditions such as kidney disease, celiac disease, Turner syndrome, or bone disease.
How many growth spurts do boys go through?
The initial growth spurts occur from birth until approximately 3 years of age. Subsequently, growth slows down between the ages of 3 and 10, with children typically growing an average of 2 inches per year during this period. Once children enter puberty, their growth rate starts to accelerate.
Boys generally experience their growth spurt around two years later than girls, typically between the ages of 12 and 16. This growth spurt is driven by puberty and during this time, boys can expect to gain an increase in height of approximately 3 inches.
What causes a slow height increase in boys?
Malnutrition
Insufficient or inadequate nutrition can have a negative impact on bone growth, leading to slower development. For example, deficiencies in protein and calcium can result in weaker bones that may persist into adulthood. Inadequate nutrition can affect boys’ ability to reach their full potential height, making it less likely for them to achieve their expected stature. It is crucial to ensure a proper and balanced diet to support healthy bone growth and overall development.
Substances
Certain substances can have an impact on mothers during pregnancy and subsequently affect the growth of their sons during puberty. These substances can potentially result in stunted growth, as well as an increased risk of premature birth and lower birth weight. Furthermore, if a teenage boy abuses drugs, it can prolong adolescence and create the appearance of delayed growth. It is important to prioritize a healthy and drug-free lifestyle to support proper growth and development during this crucial stage.
Hormone issues or genetic condition
As previously mentioned, genetics has a significant influence on determining an individual’s height. Genetic disorders can be major factors that inhibit height. For instance, boys with conditions such as Marfan syndrome or Down syndrome may experience slower overall development, including their height. Additionally, boys with growth hormone deficiency may face challenges in growing at a regular rate. These genetic factors can impact the growth and development of boys and require appropriate medical attention and support.
In a word
It is strongly recommended to monitor your boy’s height from childhood through puberty. Keeping a record of his height history and utilizing a growth chart can provide valuable insights and aid in tracking his growth progress. Additionally, paying attention to his diet and lifestyle is essential for supporting optimal growth. Ensuring a nutritious diet and promoting a healthy lifestyle can contribute to his overall growth and development. By actively monitoring these factors, you can help support his journey to reaching his maximum potential height.
- Related post: Can Pull-Ups Make You Taller?
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