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Everything You Need to Know About Growth Spurts

November 2024
Illustrations by Elly Walton

Have your parents ever said that you look like you grew overnight? They could be on to something! Right now, you may be going through a growth spurt. These are periods when you grow more rapidly than normal. They usually happen right before you begin puberty, the time when your body is transitioning from childhood to adulthood. These changes might feel confusing, but they’re totally normal. It’s also normal to grow faster or slower than your friends. The important thing is to be healthy and active, no matter your size. Read about growth spurts. 

Feed Your Growth Spurt

If you’re growing fast, you might feel hungrier than usual. That’s because your body needs a lot of calories to support that growth. This protein-packed smoothie will help fill you up.

RECIPE

  • 1 banana, broken into chunks
  • 1 cup dairy, nut, or plant milk
  • ¼ cup peanut, almond, soy nut, or cashew butter
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 cup of ice cubes

Place all ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth. Serve and enjoy! 

True or False?

1

Growth spurts are painful.

False! You might have experienced growing pains when you were younger, especially if you were very active. But growth in your teen years shouldn’t cause pain.
2

Your height is mostly determined by how tall your parents are.

True! Nutrition, sleep, and other things play a role. But in general, your parents’ heights are the biggest factors determining your eventual height.
Take the quiz again

Why Is Everyone Growing Except Me?

The early teen years are when many people experience growth spurts. But that doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with you if your height and weight haven’t changed much. Some people don’t undergo a growth spurt until their late teens, and most people don’t reach their full adult height until the age of 18-20. If you’re worried about your size, talk to your doctor. They might be able to predict how much more you’re likely to grow. But remember that there’s no right or wrong height for anyone. Short, tall, medium—it’s all good!

11 = average age of onset of growth spurts for girls

13 = average age of onset of growth spurts for boys

Signs of a Growth Spurt

  • Your hands and feet are growing.
  • You're getting taller.
  • Your appetite is bigger.
  • The joints of your knees, wrists, and elbows look larger.
  • Your clothes feel tighter.
  • You need more sleep.
  • Stretch marks appear on your skin.
  • You feel clumsier than usual.
Personal Health
Fitness, Nutrition

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