weightlifting makes you shorter

Question

The claim that weightlifting makes you shorter was quite interesting to me. Doing some research, I found that University Hospitals have this to say.

There is no scientific evidence to prove that weightlifting causes a stunt in growth. It is also important to note that these same researchers recommend not to start weightlifting under the age of 8, in some cases even 12, and not without adult supervision/guidance. This is due to the fact that lifting with improper form or too much weight can cause injury in anyone but particularly an underdeveloped body. This is why University Hospitals do not recommend max strength training until after the body has experienced puberty.

Answer 1

The claim that weight lifting makes your shorter is false. The main concern is poor form and injury at that age, which in theory could stunt growth. However, this doesn't come from weightlifting itself. More can be found from the National Medical Library at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17119361/. The study showed significant muscle growth in pre-adolesence and no evidence of a stunt in growth.

Answer 2

This claim is false. In a study done by UT Austin they came to the conclusion that "There is no evidence that high-impact sports like gymnastics, soccer, football, and basketball harm growth plates. The same is true for weight training" (https://sites.utexas.edu/think-twice/2022/03/09/does-weight-training-stunt-growth/). This myth stems from the idea that "high-impact" sports hurt/damage our joints and thus our growth plates, which would supposedly make our growth plates grow less. Again though, this is false as there is no evidence to support the theory.

Comments

I agree with this fact-check, I also like the article used as its University based, recent and contains many different sources.

Answer 3

The claim that weightlifting makes you shorter or stunts your growth is not true. However, this does not mean it is completely safe. According to UT Austin, "There is no evidence that high-impact sports like gymnastics, soccer, football, and basketball harm growth plates. The same is true for weight training". The risks that are present when weight lifting include, blunt trauma and torn ligaments. (UT Austin)

https://sites.utexas.edu/think-twice/2022/03/09/does-weight-training-stunt-growth/

https://www.healthline.com/health/does-lifting-weights-stunt-growth

https://www.bodybuilding.com/content/weight-lifting-for-children-and-teens.html