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    Navigate: FAQ Home Page > General Health Questions > Will I grow any taller?
    Posted on: 07/23/2004

    Question

    Dear expert,

    I am currently 5'5" and I am 19 years old. I'm practically the same height as my father and my mother is 5'3".

    I have eaten pretty healthy my whole life, with the exception that I don't eat fruit. I've eaten vegetables whenever they were available growing up. I drank plenty of milk my entire life.

    My question is, is it too late for me to grow, and two, is there anything realistic I can do at my age?

    Thanks

    Submitted on 07/18/04 at 07:22:36


    Answer

    You may have a bit more growing to do. It's hard to tell, but the heights of your parents are the major determining factors in your final height. Don't overlook grandparents, though! If you have a taller grandparent - you may take after them. You will continue growing at a much slower rate until you are 21, but it's unlikely for you to grow more than an inch. Sometimes you just can't fight genetics!


    Answered By:
    Elizabeth Lee , M.D.


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