Find out from the article which norms for the growth of teenagers are correct. And what methods can you increase growth.
During adolescence, rapid, uneven development of all body systems occurs. Including growth of the whole body, muscle mass increases, and bones become stronger. The most noticeable bodily change at this stage of development is the dramatic increase in growth.
Such rapid changes are quite difficult for boys and girls to bear. The task of adults is to help young people during this period of formation. After all, teenagers often feel insecure during this period due to changes in appearance.
Teenage growth chart: height norms for girls and boys
Individual variants of development rates have a wide range associated with body features fixed genetically. When assessing the level of physical development, it is necessary to take into account the physical development of his parents. The formula for calculating the expected final height of a child depending on the height of the parents is presented below. Please note that the result error is +/- 6 centimeters.
Formula for calculating the expected height of a child
As a result of anthropometric examinations of large groups of adolescents, standards and norms of physical development were determined. In the proposed tables, growth indicators are divided into levels, so-called “centiles”.
Growth chart for boys from 12 to 17 years old
Growth chart for girls from 12 to 17 years old
If your child's growth rate is within the green or blue zone - his height corresponds to the average height, the yellow zone indicates that growth is normal, but there is a tendency to lag or advance, this can be discussed at an appointment with the pediatrician. If the growth rate is in the red zone, this may be a sign of a disease, do not delay consulting an endocrinologist.
Physical development and physique are 70% determined by heredity, and 30% by environmental factors.
Height to weight ratio in teenagers: height and weight table
Growth norms for girls and boys
To assess indicators of physical development, it is important to evaluate not only height separately from other indicators, but also its relationship with weight.
The optimal ratio of height and weight in children and adolescents is presented by the following centile graphs. The method for assessing indicators is similar to the method for assessing centile tables described above: in the range from 3 to 97 centiles we can talk about the norm, everything above or below these values requires the attention of parents and doctors.
Optimal height to weight ratio for boys
Optimal height to weight ratio for girls
Periods of accelerated, intensive growth of a teenager
Periods of accelerated growth in adolescents
With the onset of puberty, there is a significant increase in the linear size of the body and its weight - the so-called pubertal growth spurt occurs. In girls, the growth spurt begins on average at 10.5 years old; height increases most significantly between 11 and 12 years old - the increase in body length can reach 8-10 cm per year. By the age of 13-13.5 years, the rate of increase in height decreases, changes in the ratio of body parts continue. In boys, the period of accelerated growth begins 1-2 years later, at 115-16 years the growth rate reaches a maximum (the increase in height can reach up to 8-9 cm per year), and slows down by 18-19.
Thus, girls “stretch out” earlier and at the age of 11-14 are superior to boys, both in height and in body weight.
The intensity of growth during puberty can be either uniform or spasmodic. In the latter case, the entire annual increase can occur in a few months - more often in the summer-autumn period.
During accelerated growth, there is a significant change in the proportions of a teenager’s body - awkwardness of figure, lankyness, long and thin limbs. This can lead to temporary incoordination of movements. The teenager himself may negatively evaluate such body features, which in turn becomes the cause of negative feelings about his appearance and self-doubt.
Without exception, all physiological functions of an adolescent undergo significant changes during the period of active growth. This can lead to imbalances in individual body systems. In most adolescents, muscle tissue does not keep pace with the growth of the skeleton, and so-called “growing pains” appear. The cardiovascular system also undergoes profound physiological changes, which causes sudden surges in pressure.
Medications
Among the drugs for growth correction, there are several of the most effective.
Norditropin
Created on the basis of somatotropin. Promotes activation of linear growth of the skeletal frame.
Norditropin
The mechanism of action of the drug is based on different types of influence:
- provoking the production of your own growth hormone;
- reducing the process of fat deposition;
- increase in muscle mass.
Treatment lasts until the growth zones are closed or until the predicted result is achieved. Injections are carried out in the period from 20 to 22 pm, since during this period the natural hormone is produced. Cost of 5 mg – from 4180 rub.
Genotropin
This is a drug created on the basis of recombinant somatropin with the addition of excipients in the form of glycerin and manitol. The drug is administered subcutaneously as prescribed by the attending physician. The dosage depends on the diagnosis, the duration of treatment is calculated based on an analysis of existing problems with growth retardation.
An important role in the prescription is played by the dependence on the time remaining until the growth zones close. The cost of 1 cartridge is 4250 rubles.
Rastan
A drug based on somatropin. It is administered subcutaneously; injection sites are recommended to be changed periodically. The duration of treatment is determined in each specific case and depends on the prognosis compiled by specialists. Cost for 1 package of 3 ml – from 8000 rubles.
Small height of a teenager: how to increase?
Short stature of a teenager
Short stature of a teenager can be genetically determined, that is, it can be a variant of the norm.
To distinguish genetic short stature from short stature caused by other causes, it is necessary to take into account the height of the adolescent's parents, analyze the growth curve and determine bone age.
- Plotting a growth curve provides a more complete picture than comparing single measurements to average growth rates. If the child’s growth curve in all age periods is located below the optimal curve, and at the same time parallel to the lower limit of the normal curve, then most likely we are talking about genetic short stature
- Information about bone maturation is provided by x-rays of growth plates. For this purpose, in children over 2 years of age, an x-ray of the left hand and wrist is taken, from which the doctor can determine bone age. Normally, the condition of the bones should correspond to the age of the child
Short stature, not associated with genetic predisposition, can be caused by the following reasons: • insufficient nutrition in general or deficiency of some of its components (vitamins, microelements), impaired digestion and absorption in the intestines • excessive physical activity • various chronic diseases • chromosomal abnormalities • hormonal disorders
A detailed medical examination will help determine the cause of a teenager’s short stature; first of all, attention is paid to the state of the endocrine, cardiovascular systems, kidneys and liver. Treatment for short stature is determined by the doctor and depends on the identified cause of the disease.
Methods for treating growth retardation in girls
When problems are detected, specialists assess the risks of developing further deviations. Treatment is prescribed in accordance with the reasons that provoked growth retardation.
Physiological method
- normalization of diet;
- adjustment of physical activity;
- taking recommended medications.
Biologically active additives
Dietary supplements contain complexes of essential amino acids, proteins and minerals. They become the basis for improving metabolic processes and are suitable for use at a stage when growth zones have not yet closed.
Surgical method
It involves surgical intervention using the Elizarov apparatus. The method is based on artificially increasing bone length. The rehabilitation period after the intervention lasts more than 1 year. Normal life activities are complicated when using this method.
Drug therapy
When medications are indicated, patients are administered analogue medications that replicate the chemical formula of natural growth hormone. As a rule, recombinant somatropin or synthetic somatrem is used.
Tall teenagers
Tall Adolescent Height
Tallness is considered less of a problem for a teenager than short stature, and is sometimes seen as an advantage.
Constitutional-hereditary, or genetic tall stature is caused by the high growth of parents or immediate relatives, is considered the norm and does not require any treatment. In this case, the teenager:
- growth rates correspond to normal rates in all age periods (this can be seen when plotting a growth curve)
- bone age corresponds to chronological
- there are no pathological symptoms of the central nervous system or endocrine glands
If a teenager’s high stature is not associated with heredity, it is necessary to pay attention to his health, first of all, to the condition of the endocrine organs. Another reason for the high growth of a teenager is chromosomal genetic abnormalities. In such cases, it is necessary to seek medical help for diagnosis and necessary treatment.
Growth vitamins for teenagers
Growth vitamins for teenagers
As we noted above, during the period of active growth, the importance of good nutrition is very high. Vitamins are necessary for the functioning of enzymes that regulate biochemical processes in the body. Each of the vitamins is “responsible” for its own “section” of metabolic processes, which is why there are several dozen diseases caused by vitamin deficiencies.
Norms of daily vitamin intake for children and adolescents
Norms of daily vitamin intake for children and adolescents
Prevention of growth retardation in girls
The average height of girls in Russia is a measurement that has been carried out for many decades. Experts recommend preventive actions aimed at eliminating problems with growth development. Their goal is to control the child’s health.
Balanced and nutritious nutrition
- Balanced and nutritious nutrition. Provides the body with a stable set of useful micro and macroelements, amino acids, and vitamins necessary for growth.
- Full sleep. This is an important condition for the production of growth hormone in the body, since the main peak of its supply occurs at 10-11 pm.
- Active life. Physical education promotes the activity of the endocrine system and the lobes of the brain responsible for motor activity.
- Timely treatment of emerging viral diseases.
Exercises for growing a teenager's body
Many teenagers and their parents are very worried about short stature and are ready to do anything to “grow up,” including such radical measures as taking hormonal medications or surgery. There is a way to speed up the growth of a teenager’s body without the risk of complications or side effects from taking various drugs - this is physical training.
- Swimming, volleyball, basketball, cycling - these sports help accelerate growth
- It is also important to monitor your posture throughout the day - do not slouch when walking or sitting at a table. To sleep, you need to choose an orthopedic mattress and pillow
Posture of a teenager - Exercises on the horizontal bar. A simple hang will be effective if you do it daily, in several approaches. In total, you need to hang from 4 to 10 minutes per day
- Stretching exercises or yoga classes will help make your spine flexible, strengthen your muscles and awaken your body’s strength.
Here are some effective exercises for growth. They must be done regularly, preferably in the morning, and hold in each pose for 3-6 breathing cycles.
Pigeon pose
Warrior Pose
Cobra pose
What can be considered normal, taking into account heredity?
Heredity means the transfer of certain sets of genes from parents to a child, which determine various external and internal characteristics, including growth. The development of a boy largely depends on hereditary rudiments, but growth is also influenced by the environment that surrounds the child: social status and external natural environment.
Heredity has a significant influence on how tall a child will be, and if the parents are very tall, then growth indicators may be outside the normal range, but at the same time he may not have any developmental abnormalities.
However, such cases are not frequent, because the table developed by WHO takes into account different limits of growth indicators. For this purpose, not only the average height is separately identified, but also values above and below the average, which are also not a deviation from the norm, but give wider intervals.
If the child’s height is significantly lower or higher than normal, ranging from below average to above average, it is better to consult a specialist and undergo additional examination. If no pathologies were identified during the research, then for a particular child the normal boundaries have been shifted.
