Can you still grow taller at age 17 after the growth plates have closed?

At 17 years of age, closure of the growth plates indicates a loss of natural height-increasing potential, and further growth in height is generally no longer possible.

The growth plate, also known as the epiphyseal plate, is a layer of cartilage located between the epiphysis and metaphysis of a bone. It continuously divides and grows, gradually lengthening the bone while shortening itself as height increases. During this period, adequate nutrition, regular physical exercise, and sufficient sleep typically help promote height growth. However, once the cartilage between the epiphysis and metaphysis has fully ossified and formed a tight junction—indicating complete closure of the growth plate—there is generally no remaining space or material for further growth. Therefore, if the growth plates have closed by age 17, significant increase in height is unlikely.

It is recommended that during adolescence, individuals pay attention to proper nutrition and develop healthy lifestyle habits to support normal physical development.