Can Extra Weight Make You Shorter?

soulfulsally

My kids decided to take my height this morning and I'm just under 5'3". I had to do another check because I should be 5'4". I know we can shrink a little as we age, but I'm only 36. Could extra weight compress the spine enough to cause a shrinkage like this? Did anyone ever regain their lost inch(es) after losing a lot of weight?

TheRightWeigh

Well, obviously i've always noticed plenty of people look taller when they lose weight. but recently, I've seen people report gaining an inch or two after losing a large amount of weight. I hope it's true. I kinda want to be 6'5''. I'm 6'3' and some change now...(depending on the day.) 6'5" sounds nice...:glasses:

natachan

Maybe a little, but I wouldn't be much. Most of your height is determined by your bones, so that's not going to change. The compression on your joints might force you down slightly, but I wouldn't think it would be much more than half an inch or so.

TheRightWeigh

Drat.

Ruthe8

How long since the last time you had your height measured? Poor posture could cause a significant difference. That could result from extra weight, age, or just a bad habit.

ccebohmygod

I personally believe it is possible. I have lost just 25 lbs but have measured an inch taller since. I feel I stand taller.

soulfulsally

It's been years since last having my height measured. I know my posture has been habitually bad, but that was since childhood and I've been really focusing on improving it for a couple of months now.

There was another thread on here about people with disc degeneration. I have that. It clicked in my head that the loss of height and degeneration are connected. Though I'm still hoping for a gain in height when this weight comes off.