Why Can't I Grow Taller at 17? Understanding the Growth Process

Why Is Height Growth So Important at 17?

Honestly, I remember being 17 and constantly wondering why I wasn't growing taller. At that age, you feel like you should be hitting your growth spurt any day now, right? It’s frustrating when everyone around you seems to be getting taller, but you’re stuck. You might even start wondering, "Is it too late for me?" Trust me, I’ve been there. But don’t worry, there’s actually a lot going on behind the scenes that determines whether or not you're still going to grow taller.

The Science Behind Growth at 17

The Growth Plates: Are They Closed?

Well, the main reason you're not growing taller at 17 is that your growth plates (also called epiphyseal plates) might have closed. These growth plates are areas of cartilage at the ends of long bones that allow them to grow in length. When you're younger, they’re open, and you can add height. But by the time you hit your late teens, for most people, those growth plates begin to fuse and harden into bone. Once that happens, growth in height stops.

Actually, I was surprised to learn this from a conversation I had with my doctor when I was 17. I thought I still had time, but he explained that by age 17, many of us are pretty much done with vertical growth, especially if we’ve already had a growth spurt earlier in adolescence.

The Role of Genetics

Honestly, genetics plays a huge part in your final height. Some people are naturally predisposed to being taller, while others may be shorter due to family traits. I remember my friend Jack at school, who always complained about not reaching the height of his basketball idols. But when we looked at his family, it was clear—his parents were shorter, so he probably wasn't going to shoot up to 6'5" like he hoped.

If you're feeling frustrated because you're still on the shorter side at 17, remember—your height isn't entirely in your control. The genes you inherited from your parents will largely determine how tall you grow.

Can I Still Grow Taller After 17?

Is It Possible to Grow Taller After 17?

So, this is the big question. Can you still grow taller after 17? Well, the short answer is: probably not. But before you completely lose hope, there are a couple of factors that might still affect your growth.

Post-Puberty Growth

Although the growth plates generally close by the age of 18, some individuals experience minor growth even after this age. It's rare, though. There’s always the possibility that your body might continue to grow a little bit, but don’t count on a dramatic change in height. I had a friend, Sarah, who was convinced she’d stopped growing, but by age 18, she grew another inch! However, that doesn’t mean it’s something you should expect for everyone. It’s more of an exception than the rule.

Nutrition and Exercise: Can They Help?

Okay, here’s a silver lining. Even if you’re not growing taller, staying active and eating healthy can support the growth process and make sure your body is as strong as possible. Proper nutrition, rich in vitamins and minerals like calcium and vitamin D, can help your bones reach their full potential. Exercise, especially strength training and stretching, can improve your posture, making you look taller and feel more confident. Actually, I know that when I started working on my posture at 17, I instantly felt taller. It’s not the same as gaining height, but it’s definitely a good trick.

Mental Health and Self-Acceptance: Embrace Your Height

Overcoming Frustration

Alright, let’s talk about the emotional side of things. It can be incredibly frustrating when you feel like you're "stuck" at a certain height. I went through that phase myself. I was 5'6" for what seemed like forever, while my friends were outgrowing me. It got to the point where I’d wear shoes with lifts just to feel taller, and I’d look at every possible method to try to add those last few inches.

But after some time, I started realizing something important. Your worth is not defined by your height. Sure, it would have been cool to grow a few more inches, but the most important thing is feeling good about who you are. Embracing your height and feeling confident in yourself is way more powerful than trying to stretch your body taller.

Confidence Matters More Than Height

At the end of the day, confidence is a game-changer. And this is something I learned a bit late, but it's true—people don’t notice your height as much as you think. I’ve had so many conversations with friends, and trust me, no one’s thinking about your height unless you mention it. Confidence, personality, and how you carry yourself? That’s what makes people stand out.

Conclusion: Accepting Your Growth Journey

So, can you still grow taller at 17? Probably not in terms of drastic changes, but your body is still capable of becoming stronger, more fit, and healthier. Genetics, nutrition, and exercise all play their part in how tall you become, but in the end, it’s about feeling good in your own skin. Don't stress about those extra inches that may never come. Focus on what makes you feel strong, healthy, and confident in who you are. Trust me, height won’t matter as much as you think in the long run.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.