I recently came across a heartbreaking post on Reddit from a 25-year-old man who reflected on his teenage years of self-starvation, and how it affected his adult height. He believes that if he hadn’t skipped meals and deprived himself of essential nutrients during puberty, he might have grown to the "normal" height he was meant to reach. Unfortunately, his situation is not unique, and it's a cautionary tale for anyone who thinks they can "hack" their growth or take shortcuts in the process of becoming their best self.
The Impact of Starvation on Growth: A Missed Opportunity
From the ages of 13-17, this individual skipped breakfast every school day, eating only once he returned home, sometimes going 18-19 hours without food. This pattern, coupled with his self-hatred and desire to suffer, led to a stunted growth phase that has left him at 5 feet 2 inches as a 25-year-old. While genetics play a major role in determining height, denying your body the fuel it needs to grow during crucial developmental years can potentially limit your genetic potential.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that nutrient deficiencies during adolescence, particularly in calcium, protein, and vitamin D, can impair growth and bone density development. The study emphasized the importance of adequate nutrition for the development of healthy bones and tissues, which directly impacts height growth during puberty.
Regret is a powerful emotion, and this individual’s story is filled with it. He now faces a future of "disrespect, infantilization, and sexual frustration" due to his height, as he feels like he missed out on a life of confidence and respect that others who didn’t make the same mistake may enjoy.
Can You Grow Taller After Puberty?
Many will argue that genetics are the most important factor when it comes to height. In fact, some Reddit users shared similar stories of eating poorly or not sleeping enough, but still growing tall because of their genetics. Growth plates typically close around the ages of 18-21, which means after this point, there's little you can do to increase your height. However, this doesn’t mean that all hope is lost for those who didn’t take care of themselves during their adolescence.
There are options like Human Growth Hormone (HGH) treatment, though it should only be pursued under medical supervision. But the key takeaway here is that nutrition and self-care during adolescence are critical to reaching your maximum potential. You can’t undo years of poor decisions, but you can ensure you don't make the same mistakes moving forward.
The Red Pill Truth About Height and Growth
The reality is that while many factors contribute to your height, your decisions matter. Poor diet, lack of sleep, and neglecting your physical well-being can hinder your growth, even if you’re genetically predisposed to be taller. You can’t change the past, but you can take control of your future.
If you're still in your adolescence, don’t make the same mistake. Focus on eating balanced meals, getting enough sleep, and taking care of your body. It's not just about growing taller — it’s about setting yourself up for a better life, where you can confidently face the world, respect yourself, and avoid the feelings of regret that this Reddit user now has.
Boost Your Height with the Right Sneakers
While we can’t go back and change the past, there are still ways to gain a few extra centimeters and feel more confident about your height. One of the easiest ways is by choosing sneakers from popular commercial brands that offer a boost in height. These sneakers aren’t specifically designed to make you taller, but they do add a little extra lift. If you're curious about which brands offer the best sneakers for this, be sure to check out our ranking of the top commercial sneakers that give you more height — featuring some of the most popular brands available today.
You might not be able to undo past mistakes, but you can take control of your present and future with the right choices. Don’t miss out on the chance to boost your height and feel more confident every day.