The viral heightmaxxing trend has raised concerns after teenagers reportedly started experimenting with erdafitinib, a cancer drug, to increase their height. Doctors explain why this practice is dangerous, how growth plates work and what parents should know about healthy growth. (Image: AI generated representative image)
Height has become more than just a physical measurement for some teenagers. On social media, where appearance often attracts judgement, even a few inches can feel like a measure of confidence, attractiveness and acceptance. The latest example is 'heightmaxxing', a trend encouraging young men to find ways to increase their height. But the growing interest has taken a worrying turn, with some teenagers reportedly experimenting with erdafitinib, a prescription cancer drug, hoping to become taller.
What is heightmaxxing and why is it gaining popularity?
Heightmaxxing is part of the larger 'looksmaxxing' trend, where young people exchange tips to improve their physical appearance. While some focus on facial features, fitness and grooming, others are increasingly obsessed with height. According to a report by Rolling Stone, teenagers have been sharing their experiences of taking erdafitinib, referring to it as 'erda'. Some even document their doses, height measurements and side effects online. The pressure is not difficult to understand. Social media videos discussing ideal male height, dating preferences and appearance-based comparisons can make teenagers feel inadequate about something they cannot entirely control.
Why are teenagers experimenting with a cancer drug?
Erdafitinib, marketed as Balversa, was approved in 2019 for treating certain advanced bladder cancers in adults. It works by blocking fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFR), proteins involved in cell growth. Interest in the drug's possible effect on height followed reports of unexpected skeletal growth in children receiving it for serious brain tumours. A 2024 study published in a medical journal documented unusual bone growth in a child treated with erdafitinib. However, this observation does not establish the medicine as a safe or effective height-increasing treatment.
Doctors warn against experimenting with erdafitinib
Dr Parimala V Thirumalesh, Lead Senior Consultant – Neonatology and Paediatrics, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, cautioned against the practice. "Erdafitinib is a prescription-only cancer medication approved for treating some types of advanced bladder cancer. It has neither been approved nor clinically tested as a height-increasing measure," she explained. Dr Thirumalesh also highlighted the possibility of retinal problems, sores and other complications. These risks become particularly concerning when teenagers take the medicine without medical supervision.
Can height still increase during adolescence?
Join conversation
Share your thoughts in the comments
Be respectful · TOI community guidelines
Height is largely influenced by genetics, although nutrition, hormones, general health and puberty timing also play important roles. "Once growth plates close, height cannot be obtained without drugs," Dr Thirumalesh explained. Growth plates are areas of cartilage near the ends of long bones. They gradually close towards the end of puberty. Importantly, being shorter than classmates does not automatically indicate a medical problem. Children growing slower than expected should undergo an assessment by a paediatric endocrinologist, who may examine growth patterns, bone age, nutrition and hormone levels.
What should parents and teenagers understand?
A teenager's height should not become a measure of their self-worth. Parents can encourage balanced nutrition, adequate sleep and regular physical activity while avoiding unverified medicines and online growth advice. The bigger concern with heightmaxxing is how quickly appearance-related insecurity can turn into risky medical experimentation. Growing taller is not worth compromising eyesight, bone development or long-term health.
End of Article
