Can Weight Loss Make You Taller? And Will Your Feet Shrink?
Losing weight brings plenty of changes to your body, but could it also add a few inches to your height or make your feet smaller? It sounds odd at first, but these are common questions among people on a weight loss journey. After all, when your entire body starts shedding extra pounds, it’s natural to wonder if your height or shoe size might experience some adjustments too.
This post looks into the relationship between weight loss, height, and foot size. You’ll learn what science has to say about these surprising weight-loss effects, so grab your favourite brew, kick your feet up, and let’s sort this out together.
Does Weight Loss Make You Taller?
The short answer? No, losing weight doesn’t make you grow taller—but it can create the illusion of increased height. Here’s how:
1. Shedding Fat Can Improve Your Posture
Excess belly fat can affect your posture by adding strain to your back and pulling your spine out of alignment. Over time, this compresses your vertebrae and makes you stand, well, a little shorter than you actually are.
When you lose weight, especially around the midsection, your posture tends to improve, as you’re carrying less weight around that could weigh your spine down. With a straighter posture:
- You could regain 1-2 inches of height that was “hiding” due to slouching.
- You look taller even if you aren’t technically growing in height.
2. Weight Loss Relieves Pressure on Joints and Spine
Extra weight, especially in the midsection or hips, puts a lot of pressure on your lower back. Over time, this compression wears down the cushioning between your vertebrae—think of it like squeezing a sponge. By losing weight, you reduce this pressure on your spine, which can give you back a fraction of your “original” height. It’s not new height—it’s more like restoring what you already had.
3. Improved Body Proportions Create a Taller Appearance
Here’s the magic of proportions! Losing weight can sometimes make your torso and legs look longer compared to fatter hips, thighs, or belly. While there’s no change in your actual bone structure, a leaner frame often creates the visual effect of height. Think of it like wearing vertical stripes—slimming, elongating, and just better.
Science Quick Note on Actual Growth
For adults, bones stop growing in your late teens or early 20s. After that, your height stays pretty fixed. Weight loss won’t change that, but hey—feeling taller and more confident counts just as much, doesn’t it?
Will Losing Weight Shrink Your Feet?
Alright, now onto the feet. This might surprise you, but for many people, weight loss can make your feet smaller. Here’s why:
1. Fat Loss Affects Your Feet, Too
Feet are no exception when shedding pounds. Just like other parts of your body, feet can carry extra fat. When you lose weight, some of this fat padding goes away, resulting in slimmer and sometimes even shorter feet. If you notice your shoes feeling a bit too roomy, congrats—your feet might just be downsizing.
2. Less Weight = Lesser Pressure
When you lose weight, your body weight pressing down on your feet is reduced, and so is your foot’s tendency to flatten under pressure. This is called the “arch effect.” With lower pressure, your foot maintains a more arched shape, slightly shrinking its length.
3. Shoe Size Changes to Comfort Level
Many people find they go down half a size or even a full size after significant weight loss. It doesn’t mean the literal bone size is shrinking; instead, the shape and padding of your feet are changing. The result? A better fit in smaller shoes.
4. Real-life Evidence of Shrinking Feet
A large study done on people undergoing substantial weight loss, such as those after bariatric surgery, found participants reported decreases in both foot width and length. It’s a clear sign that your reduction in weight can also affect the dimensions of your feet.
(PS. What better excuse to upgrade to a brand-new pair of fabulous shoes?)
Other Weight-Loss “Body Oddities”
Aside from height illusions and shrinking feet, here are a few other quirky changes weight loss can bring:
- Improved Flexibility: Less bulk means more freedom to bend, reach, and stretch. Cartwheels, anyone?
- Smaller Rings: Your fingers are likely to slim down too. Time to re-size that wedding band?
- Colder Feet and Hands: Blame your reduced body fat for losing some of its insulating perks. Time to layer up, even indoors.
FAQs About Weight Loss and Body Changes
Q. Can losing weight affect my height permanently?
A. No, losing weight doesn’t actually change your height. However, improved posture and reduced spinal compression may help you regain any lost height caused by poor posture or pressure on your joints.
Q. By how much can your feet shrink?
A. It varies. For some, feet may shrink by up to a full shoe size after significant weight loss, but for others, the change might be barely noticeable. Your body composition and foot shape play a role.
Q. Will my feet flatten back if I regain weight?
Yes, feet often hold more fat and flatten under the additional pressure of excess weight. If you regain weight, you might see your shoes feeling tighter again.
What Does All This Mean for You?
If you’re on a weight loss journey, the changes to your feet and height may be minimal, but the effects can be exciting nonetheless. Whether you feel a little taller or finally fit into those gorgeous heels without squeezing, these shifts can boost your confidence and comfort.
Just remember, the best thing about losing weight has nothing to do with height or foot size. It’s about feeling healthier, being more confident, and living an active, energised life.
Are you noticing any surprising changes as you lose weight? Share your experiences in the comments