How 'Heightmaxxing' Is Pushing Teen Boys to Take a Risky Cancer Drug

Key Points:

• A new report highlights the dangerous trend of "heightmaxxing," where teenage boys use unapproved drugs like erdafitinib (erda), a cancer medication, in an attempt to increase their height despite severe side effects.
• Erdafitinib, approved for certain adult cancers, is being sourced from black-market online suppliers by teens, leading to symptoms such as joint pain, skin issues, and nail loss, with no medical supervision.
• Pediatric endocrinologists warn against using erdafitinib for height growth due to its risks and lack of approval, emphasizing that growth hormone treatments, while costly, are safer and more appropriate for hormone deficiencies.
• The pressure from social media and the manosphere to be taller is driving some boys to endure harmful treatments, reflecting deeper issues of self-esteem and societal expectations related to masculinity and appearance.
• Despite severe health consequences, some teens remain determined to continue these risky practices, hoping to improve their lives and social standing by increasing their height.