Have you ever felt embarrassed or inferior to be the shortest person in your family or friend’s circle? Although it is easy to ignore nicknames when you are younger, once over the age of 21, rather than ignoring the names, we tend to ignore people. However, suppose you are curious about how to increase height after 21. In that case, this article offers you the possibilities and what can you expect at this age.

Is It Possible to Increase Height After 21?

Let us first understand the height growth process in humans to know the answer to this question. The lengthening of bones in the body determines the height of an individual. Somatotropin (hGH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF – 1) are the two primary hormones that determine this length. Although these hormones are secreted in excess during adolescence, they subside after that gradually. This is when there is a halt in the height growth process.

The growth plates that are specialized cartilages at the ends of long bones are still active and allow the lengthening process during adolescence. But the growth rate is the slowest or almost zero between 18-20 years because the growth plates get hardened.

There is challenging to increase at the age of 21 because the growth of bones comes to a halt. Growth hormones and surgeries are available that might promise height growth in adults. However, these procedures might be dangerous to the body. But it is possible to add a few inches or appear taller with some tricks and tips.

What are the Factors That Influence a Person to Grow Taller?

Here are some of the prominent factors that influence a person to grow taller efficiently:

1. Genetics:

Genetics or the height of your parents, usually determines a person’s height. If parents are tall, it is more likely that the children will be tall as well, according to a study conducted on fraternal twins. This is because the DNA sequence you inherit determines 80% of your height. According to Genetica Home Research, these genes play an essential role in your growth (1). FGFR3, GH1, FBN1, GPC3, AND EVC are a few examples of the genes whose mutation might hinder your growth.