How can I get taller? I'm 16 and feel shorter than average.
I'm (16m) on the shorter side (I think I'm below average, but not sure) and looking for tips on how to get taller. Is this possible?
In the US, the average height for men is 5 ft 9 in, and it's even a few inches shorter if you look at the entire world. If you're below that average, the best ways to get taller are eating a nutritious diet with fruits, veggies, and protein, getting a good night's sleep, using good posture, and being active during the day.
SHORT KINGS UNITE!!! I’m a shorter guy too and it took a while, but I’ve learned to love it. I did discover a few tricks when I was trying to appear taller, though. So, find some shoes with thicker soles. That’ll add a few inches. Nike AF1s are pretty good at this if you’re a sneaker guy. Your posture is super important, too. If you slouch you’re going to naturally appear a lot shorter than you actually are. I’d also recommend wearing monochromatic outfits. Like, stick with all black or all white, stuff like that. It just gives you a more impressive appearance and make you look bigger in my opinion. But most of all, just learn to love yourself! There’s absolutely no downside to being a little shorter, no matter what you might hear from other people. We even get to live longer than taller guys!
Even though it may be possible to grow or look a little taller, your height is really determined by your genetics and what nutrients you had growing up. If you had a lot of protein when you were growing up, it usually means you'll be taller when you're fully grown. If you have short parents though, you may be around the same height as them. There's always a chance there's someone tall that passed down the genes in your family tree, but it's not a guarantee.
I can empathize with you because I’m a woman who’s 4’11’’, which is well below the national average of 5’4’’. Unfortunately, there aren’t really any tricks to growing taller. The best you can do is take care of your body, eat a nutritious diet, and get plenty of sleep. You’re still growing at 16 (puberty for men often doesn’t end until 17-18), so give your body all of the nutrition and care that it needs. The average height for a guy in the United States is 5’8’’ or 5’9’’ depending on which survey or data you look at. But yeah, just be kind to your body and stay healthy. Don’t drink or abuse any drugs and don’t overdo it on the sugar and fast food.
I have a buddy who was still 5'7 when he was your age. We just celebrated his 20th birthday, and he's grown a couple of inches and is 5'10 now. I think guys can keep growing until their mid-20s, so you probably have a couple more growth spurts to look forward to in the next few years.
Your genetics are the single biggest factor when it comes to how tall you’ll be and there isn’t much you can do about that. However, men typically have big growth spurts between the ages of 12 and 15, but some guys have big growth spurts at 16-17, so it’s very possible you just aren’t finished growing yet.
I'm also short.You are not alone
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Reader Tips from How to Grow Taller
To have good posture, make sure to keep your shoulders down and move them backwards a bit. This will also be very helpful when you're older to have good posture.
If you're experiencing back, hip, or neck pain, see a chiropractor or another medical professional. A bone alignment may help you grow a little taller.
Some say drinking coffee at a young age may stunt your growth. Instead, opt for water.
Wear high heels or platform sneakers to give the illusion that you're taller.
While being taller may be nice, be confident no matter what height you are.
Reader Tips from How to Get Taller Fast
Keep in mind scientists are continually finding out new things about the human body, so although science may say right now that you can't change how tall you are after a certain point that may not be true. I'm 25 and my growth plates are closed and I'm now 6'3 when a year ago I was 6'0. The only thing I changed in my routine was stretching.
Try hanging from a pull up bar until you feel something in between your hips and lower back. It feels good and is a good work out. Do it everyday for as long as you can and the more you do it the better.
Drink milk. Get plenty of sleep. Eat fruit, veggies, and meat. Ask your doctor how much sleep you need and do that. Always keep your back straight too!!!
Reader Tips from How to Help Your Body Grow Taller Sooner
While genes largely determine your height potential, lifestyle factors like nutrition and exercise also play a role. Maximize your chances by controling these elements.
If transitioning from junk food, cut back slowly over time rather than all at once. Sudden restriction often leads to intense cravings and overindulging.
Stay positive if you end up on the shorter side. Focus on cultivating confidence in yourself rather than wishing to change what you can't control.
Activities like swimming and jumping on a trampoline get your body moving in ways that encourage height growth. Do them often for best results!
Drinking plenty of water is vital for growing taller. Hydration keeps all bodily functions, like bone and muscle growth, working properly.
