Is it possible that I've gotten taller?

CoryIda
CoryIda Posts: 7,870 Member
edited September 25 in Health and Weight Loss
Is it possible that I've gotten taller since I've lost weight?
I know I LOOK taller, since people tell me that regularly, but that could be an optical illusion since I'm a lot slimmer than I was before; however, I seem to tower over my hubby (he's a little under 5'6") more than I used to, and I seem to be taller next to other people as well. Anyone have any thoughts on this?
I'm 5'10"-ish. I think as a teen I came fairly close to 5'11" but after I had my son when I was 18 and then, about a year later, injured myself and now have 2 herniated discs in my lower back, I've measured up at just about exactly 5'10".
Is it possible that, with the exercise I've been doing -- and the considerable weight I've taken off my body (nearly 75 pounds so far, even though my ticker only says 71 because I haven't officially "weighed in" this week) -- I could have actually "stretched" a bit?

Just curious.

Replies

  • shamubegone
    shamubegone Posts: 14 Member
    First of all, great job on your success so far. You inspire me everyday. About the height thing, yes! Don't hold me to it, but in one of my university classes we talked about how the vertebrae in your spine get compressed when you are overweight, so it is possible to become a couple of inches taller as you shed the weight because there is less pressure on your spine. Woo!
  • mikeyml
    mikeyml Posts: 568 Member
    I don't know but I find this interesting too. When I had a physical recently I was a 1/2 inch taller than the last time I was measured. Everyone is telling me that I look taller and I do actually feel taller when standing in groups of people. Maybe one of the reasons is we tend to slump over from poor self confidence when we are heavier?
  • skingszoo
    skingszoo Posts: 412 Member
    I too am feeling taller lol!!!! But I agree with less weight your spine is less compressed. Good job!
  • erickirb
    erickirb Posts: 12,294 Member
    maybe your posture is better so you stand up straighter than you did before.
  • chelekaz
    chelekaz Posts: 847 Member
    I think that it has a lot to do with our posture. When we are heavier it is more weight literally holding us down and we lack confidence too so we are slouching (even if we don't realize it). We shed the weight, we are lighter (literally) and so we walk straighter ... and with the added confidence our posture is much better!
  • Tabs_A
    Tabs_A Posts: 69 Member
    I've kinda heard of this too, that when you shed the weight its takes pressure off joints etc and you can be taller. I just noticed the same thing. I measured myself and was an inch taller then I thought I was.
  • freerange
    freerange Posts: 1,722 Member
    Could be your posture is getting better as you get thinner too.
  • tiarra77
    tiarra77 Posts: 39
    with weight loss comes better posture and just pure confdence. i bet that the tall that people see has alot to do with your manner in which u are now carrying yourself. just my guess. i am a tall person naturally, but since my weight loss, i am gradually standing up straighter, etc...
  • SuzetteMerashino
    SuzetteMerashino Posts: 27
    Yea, if you do pilates or yoga you will get a bit taller because the whole thing with that is to make you stand straight and sort out you posture. I'm not sure but I'd reckon with other exercising, stretching and whatnot it would be the same. Posture is so important as you know and exercise does help it alot so you never know.... But well done on your success!
  • silveryflutterby
    silveryflutterby Posts: 335
    I have the opposite issue...i am 2 inches shorter than i was in high school. i am quite a bit heavier right now too and the thing about the vertebrae being compressed kind of makes sense. so i wonder if i will be growing taller as i get this weight off???
  • littlemissanguissette
    littlemissanguissette Posts: 248 Member
    I hope this is true, I'm 5'11" and I would love to be taller! I love being tall, except I don't like the fact that my weight should ideally be around 150-160 because of my height. I don't like the high number, it's icky. :(
  • brendalyne
    brendalyne Posts: 497
    I've also wondered if I'm a bit taller in the morning than at the end of the day! When I get in the car in the morning I ALWAS have to adjust my mirror because it's too low.....then at the end of the day I get in the car and it's too high!!! Is it just me or has anyone else noticed that too. Just curious....
  • kld4239
    kld4239 Posts: 186 Member
    Yes!!! It is VERY possible that you are taller. I thought I was losing it when I measuring in at 5'9" after being 5'8" for most of my adult life...but it all makes sense. After 10 months of exercising (including yoga) I believe my body/spine has expanded to it's true height. It's so nice to have something expand in a positive way :)
  • mrssavvysteve
    mrssavvysteve Posts: 239 Member
    As I am 5'11, I feel and understand what you're saying. I researched this very thing not to long ago, and it is a fact that the weight causes you to slump your shoulders and not hold your spine as straight. Thus you actually may be "taller" because you are straightening your alignment..... Also think of it like this, more weight equals bulges, less weight equals leaner look, so the appearance of tallness. just a thought.... :)

    You're doing so Awesome!! :)
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