Why does height and weight gain stop, and what factors can affect growth in children?
Height and weight gain in children slow down or stop mainly when they reach the end of puberty, because the growth plates in the bones close and further height increase is no longer possible, but before that, growth can be affected by several factors such as genetics (parental height), nutrition (adequate protein, vitamins, and minerals), overall health, hormonal balance (like growth hormone or thyroid levels), sleep quality, and physical activity. Chronic illnesses, repeated infections, or emotional stress can also slow growth, while poor diet or lack of sleep may affect both height and weight gain. If a child is not growing as expected, a doctor can assess growth charts, diet, and development, and may suggest tests to rule out underlying problems, so early evaluation helps ensure the child reaches their best possible growth potential.