© 2008 Way to Grow!
The information provided on the Way to Grow! Web site is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice provided by your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional in regards to any specific concerns.
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About Growth
How does my body grow?
Growing—or getting taller—is something that happens as people go from being babies to kids to teenagers to adults. Many things affect the way you grow, including:
  • Your genes (instructions for your body)
  • The chemical messengers in your body (hormones) that tell your bones and other parts of you to grow
  • Food, exercise, and sleep
  • The environment (everything that surrounds us)
  • Your overall health
Why am I a different height than my classmates?
There are lots of reasons why some people grow at a different rate than others of the same age. Just like other kids might have different hair or skin color or eye color, people grow differently. Every person is one-of-a-kind, so most of the time, these are just normal differences. But sometimes, something else may be going on, and it may be that you need to visit your doctor to have your growth checked. Some examples of things that can limit growth are problems with hormones, health problems, and certain medications you might be taking.
The only way to know for sure what is going on is to visit your doctor and have a growth checkup. If there is a chance you are not growing as you should, your doctor will send you to see a special growth doctor called a pediatric endocrinologist.
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