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Tips for How to Get Taller

A person's height is largely determined by genetics, which means people have limited control over how tall they become by adulthood. However, certain medical conditions affecting height can be treated through human growth hormone. Additionally, a person can reach his maximum height potential by eating a healthful diet during childhood and adolescence. Other ways of gaining height include having a leg-lengthening procedure and wearing height-elevating shoes.

  1. Human Growth Hormone

    • Human growth hormone therapy can help a child grow taller if they suffer from growth-related conditions such idiopathic short stature and growth hormone deficiency. Adults who suffer from growth hormone deficiency can also benefit from human growth hormone therapy. According to emedicinehealth.com, human growth hormone deficiency can be caused by damage to the pituitary gland. Always consult an endocrinologist before starting treatment to see if you are eligible for human growth hormone treatment.

    Proper Diet

    • According to the American Dietetic Association, restrictive diets that do not contain enough nutrients and calories can prevent a person from reaching his or her height potential. Adolescent boys and girls in particular need between 1,800 and 3,200 calories per day depending on size and the amount of physical activity they receive each day. Adolescent diets should contain plenty of carbohydrates, and be high in fiber and low in saturated fat. Healthy foods such as beans, fish, nuts, fruits and vegetables contain essential nutrients that aid a child's growth.

    Leg-Lengthening Procedure

    • Fully grown adults may choose to increase their height through cosmetic leg-lengthening surgery. The procedure is performed by breaking the tibia and fibula bones on both legs and attaching an external device to to each half of the severed bone. Bone then gradually grows into the vacant space between the broken bones over time. According to ABC news, the procedure costs upward of $120,000, is not covered by insurance and carries risks such as bone infection. Successful leg-lengthening typically adds between two and four inches to a person's height.

    Height-Increasing Shoes

    • Height-increasing shoes are a viable option for full-grown adults who do not want to undergo medical procedures and are not eligible for human growth hormone treatment. Elevator shoes have an elongated bottom that give a person the appearance of being taller. Some shoe companies such as TallMenShoes.com specialize in shoes that have discreet height-increasing features such as a concealed lift. These shoes provide between two and four inches of height while retaining the appearance of "normal" shoes.

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