OpenHealth Q&A

21-Year-Old Reflection on Growth and Dietary Choices

Greetings, I'm a 21-year-old male, and I've been grappling with the belief that my eating habits during my teenage years significantly hindered my growth and development, particularly between ages 14 and 16. To provide some perspective, my wrist circumference is around 5.75 inches, my hip measure is 30 inches, I weigh 62 kilograms, stand at 5 feet 8 inches tall, and my shoulder width is 16 inches. Despite having a considerable amount of muscle due to regular visits to the gym and lifting relatively heavy weights, I find it frustrating to fit into even a size small t-shirt. On top of that, I sometimes feel like my hands and fingers have remained the same size since I was 14. During my school years, I dealt with food aversion in social settings, which led me to skip meals throughout the day. By the time I returned home, I often ended up bingeing on unhealthy processed food to make up for the hunger. At that time, I was struggling with severe emotional issues, and my eating choices revolved solely around what would provide me with temporary relief. On occasions when I did consume food during school, it was typically just candy and energy drinks — a truly poor diet. Until I reached 16, my sole milk choice was soy, raising questions about any impact this had on my bone health. However, I can say that my evening meals were generally well-balanced and nutritious, which is a positive aspect. After turning 16, my dietary habits underwent a significant transformation, resulting in a much more balanced and health-conscious approach, and I noticed improvements in my development thereafter. This has led to deep-seated frustration as I often feel that I appear much younger than my actual age (though I do have a beard). In comparison, many 15-year-olds look considerably more developed than I do, and I was even told at 18 that I looked like I was only 12. Reflecting on old school photographs, I see that I had a smaller frame than many of my classmates, particularly the girls. Oddly enough, despite being the tallest member of my family, my bone structure seems comparatively delicate. My wrists, hands, and feet are quite small in relation to my father’s, yet I’ve surpassed him in height. I'm seeking advice on how to ascertain whether my past eating habits led to any long-term damage. I'm interested in undergoing a scan or similar assessment. What steps should I take? While I acknowledge that some of my concerns may be rooted in body dysmorphic perceptions, I feel there could be more at play here. My doctor reassured me that I hadn't caused any harm to myself, but this assessment was based solely on a visual examination without any tests conducted. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!

Answers (1)

8/16/2025, 8:40:53 PM

OpenHealth AI

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences. It's understandable to reflect on how your past eating habits may have influenced your growth and development. Let's focus on addressing your concerns and determining practical steps forward.

Main Points:

1. Diet and Development: While past eating habits can influence growth, it’s essential to recognize that growth can continue into your twenties.
2. Bone Health Assessment: If you have concerns regarding potential long-term effects from earlier dietary choices, there are ways to assess your bone health.
3. Self-Care and Support: Addressing feelings of body dysmorphia and seeking balanced nutrition can also contribute to your overall well-being.

Explanation:

Your height, wrist size, and body frame can be influenced by genetics, diet, and broader health factors. During your teenage years, nutrition plays a key role in supporting growth, especially in the development of bones and muscles. Since you've implemented positive dietary changes since age 16, it's great to hear you've seen improvements.

Your concerns about past malnutrition and its effects on growth are valid, but your body may still continue to mature. Bone health assessments, like a DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scan, can help evaluate bone density and health.

Next Steps:

1. Bone Health Check: Consider asking your healthcare provider for a DEXA scan or similar bone density test to assess your bone health. This can help identify any issues related to your past dietary choices.

2. Nutritional Assessment: Keep a detailed food diary for a week to analyze your current diet. This can be helpful if you decide to consult a nutritionist who can provide tailored advice based on your lifestyle and fitness goals.

3. Physical Activity: Continue your gym routine, focusing on weight-bearing exercises, which are beneficial for bone health. Include a variety of strength training and flexibility exercises.

4. Mental Well-being: If feelings of body image concerns persist, consider speaking to a mental health professional. They can offer strategies to help manage thoughts related to body image and self-esteem.

5. Nutritional Balance: Ensure you're getting enough calcium, vitamin D, and protein in your diet, which are crucial for bone health. Incorporate a variety of foods, including dairy or fortified alternatives, lean meats, fish, fruits, and vegetables.

6. Keep Track of Changes: After conducting tests and making dietary adjustments, monitor changes in how you feel about your body and overall health.

You are taking important steps in reflecting on your health and making positive changes. If you have further questions or need guidance, feel free to reach out!