No, you don't stop growing at 23. While most people reach their full height by their late teens or early twenties, some continue to grow slightly into their mid-twenties.
Factors Affecting Growth:
- Genetics: Your genes play a significant role in determining your final height.
- Nutrition: Adequate nutrition, especially during childhood and adolescence, is crucial for healthy growth.
- Hormones: Growth hormone is primarily responsible for growth during childhood and adolescence.
- Health: Certain medical conditions can affect growth.
Growth Plate Closure:
- The growth plates, located at the ends of long bones, are responsible for bone growth.
- These plates gradually close during adolescence, typically between the ages of 16 and 18 for females and 18 and 20 for males.
- Once the growth plates close, bone growth stops.
Continued Growth After 23:
- While bone growth may have stopped, some people may experience slight increases in height due to changes in posture or spinal alignment.
- Growth can also continue in individuals with certain medical conditions.
Conclusion:
While most people stop growing by their early twenties, some may continue to grow slightly into their mid-twenties. However, bone growth typically stops after the growth plates close.