Quote (potaa @ Mar 26 2012 11:09am)
hello,
my physiotherapist said lifting at an age of 18 is too early, because i could still be growing (in height).
implying lifting will stunt my potential growth and i should talk with my doctor as they know better.
quick online researching yields no credible, cutting evidence, majority of the opinions being "no it wont", but mostly from random people who lift allowing the possibility of bias.
whats your say on this? can you provide any scientific evidence? or explain why it wouldnt in terms of the structure of the body, epiphyseal plates etc.?
It is complete rubbish to belive that lifting weights will cause any type of growth impairment. If anything, certain lifts, especially squats and deadlifts actually increase IGF and Growth Hormone production in your body and can make you grow taller if you are still in the growth stages.
The only thing to consider is if you lift improperly, you run the risk of injury. So if you're being careless and stupid and end up causing a horrible injury from going too heavy or with horrible form, you can indeed cause a permanent injury which can result in stoppage of growth.
HOWEVER, this is extremely rare. If you lift properly and with good form you will NEVER have such an issue.