【Healthy:D】Growth Hormone | South Korean parents inject children with growth hormone to boost height. Doctor: Children's height depends on 3 major factors | Pa

^{Popular South Korean star Byeon Woo-seok is 190.3 cm tall. (Image source}

Growth hormone was originally used to treat dwarfism.

Growth hormone is a protein secreted by the pituitary gland. Growth hormone plays a role in height development, blood sugar regulation, muscle tissue formation, and fat breakdown, among other things, but for children, its primary impact is on height. Dr. Xu Ziyun states that growth hormone used in medicine is a registered drug and is only recommended for appropriate situations, such as in patients with dwarfism. In addition to growth hormone deficiency, growth hormone injections are also used for chronic renal failure and syndromes such as Turner's syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome

Dr. Xu stressed that before using growth hormone, it is essential for a doctor to conduct a detailed examination and assessment

Blind injection of growth hormone or side effects

Growth hormone has been used in medicine for 30-40 years with a high safety profile. "When used under doctor's advice and supervision, there are generally no major problems, nor will gigantism occur. Of course, there are cases of more severe and rare side effects, such as Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis, which requires surgical treatment," added Dr. Xu.

A child's height depends on three key factors.

Regarding the key factors influencing children’s height, Dr Xu points out that approximately 70–80% of a person’s height is determined by genetics, though this must, of course, be complemented by adequate nutrition, sleep and good lifestyle habits. The focus of the diet should be on balance and sufficient portion sizes to meet the child’s growth needs, with adequate protein being particularly important.In addition, trace elements (such as calcium and vitamin D) must also be included. In the event of inadequate nutritional intake, parents may consider supplementing their child’s diet with nutritional supplements.

Regarding children's height, many people also have the following questions:

Myth #1 about children’s height: Does getting enough sleep help children grow taller?

Dr. Xu: Growth hormone is indeed secreted after sleep, especially during the slow-wave stage when you first enter deep sleep, which is around 10 pm to 2 am. Therefore, if you frequently lack sleep or go to bed very late, it will have a certain impact on growth and development.

Myth #2 about children’s height: It is often said that girls grow taller faster than boys, but that the opposite is true during puberty. Is this really the case?

Dr. Xu: That's right. This is because girls generally start puberty earlier, between the ages of 7-12, while boys start between 9-14. Therefore, girls' height increases earlier than boys', but then slows down.

Myth #3 about children’s height: Does a fever really help children grow taller?

Dr. Xu: The idea that children grow taller after a fever has no scientific basis. During a fever, the normal growth rate might be temporarily paused. However, this "pause" is just a temporary delay. After the child recovers, regains their appetite, and gets sufficient nutrition, they will catch up, giving the impression of a sudden growth spurt.