A father in China is sparking debate after revealing he spends approximately 6,000 yuan (about $1,000) each month on growth hormone injections for his 12-year-old daughter.
According to reports from the South China Morning Post and other local media, Li Mo, who lives in Changsha, Hunan province, has been administering the injections to his daughter. He noted that prior to the treatment, she grew about 2 to 3 centimeters per year, but after starting the injections, she has grown approximately 4 centimeters in just six months.
Li expressed that he has certain expectations regarding his daughter's height and hopes she will grow up with confidence. He described the expense as a "valuable investment." The story has gained traction online, prompting discussions about whether it is appropriate for parents to incur high costs for their children's appearance and height.
Opinions are divided, with some arguing that taller children may have a competitive edge in the job and dating markets, while others caution that focusing on exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate sleep during growth years is the best approach.
Medical professionals warn that growth hormone injections are strictly regulated prescription medications that should only be administered for diagnosed conditions and before growth plates close (14 years for girls and 16 years for boys). They also caution that administering these injections to healthy children due to parental anxiety can lead to endocrine disorders, elevated blood sugar levels, thyroid dysfunction, or premature closure of growth plates, potentially resulting in permanent growth deficiencies.
A 2020 global survey indicated that the average height for 19-year-old males in China is 175.7 cm, while the average height for females is 163.5 cm.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.