+1 vote
in General Factchecking by (150 points)
The claim that weightlifting makes you shorter is a myth. The myth is that starting weightlifting too early makes children stunt their growth. In fact, weightlifting can increase bone strength index and decrease risk of injury, even at a young age. Weightlifting with poor form can increase the risk of injury and stunt growth plates, however, if the child or adult is weightlifting with proper form, there are no risk negatives to lifting too early.

1 Answer

0 votes
by (140 points)

There is no proven fact that weightlifting stunts growth or makes you shorter. According to Nike, it can help build strength and coordination, especially in younger athletes. According to uhhospitals.org, it will not cause any stunting but weightlifting can cause injuries and strain to the body of a growing child. So as a result, weightlifting doesn't make you shorter. 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17119361/

https://www.nike.com/a/can-weight-lifting-stunt-growth#

https://www.uhhospitals.org/rainbow/services/pediatric-sports-medicine/patient-resources/fact-sheets/weight-training-fact-sheet#:~:text=Strength%20training%20does%20not%20stunt,be%20discouraged%20until%20after%20puberty.

Community Rules


Be respectful.

There is bound to be disagreement on a site about misinformation. Assume best intentions on everyone's part.

If you are new to factchecking, take some time to learn about it. "How to Factcheck" has some resources for getting started. Even if you disagree with these materials, they'll help you understand the language of this community better.

News Detective is for uncovering misinformation and rumors. This is not a general interest question-answer site for things someone could Google.

Posting

The title is the "main claim" that you're trying to factcheck.

Example:
Factcheck This: Birds don't exist

If possible, LINK TO to the place you saw the claim.

Answering

LINK TO YOUR EVIDENCE or otherwise explain the source ("I called this person, I found it in this book, etc.")

But don't just drop a link. Give an explanation, copy and paste the relevant information, etc.

News Detective is not responsible for anything anyone posts on the platform.
...