TV Star Parth Samthaan Credits Aerobics for Teen Height Gain — Science Says Otherwise

Parth Samthaan, best known for his roles in Indian television dramas like Kasautii Zindagii Kay and a brief cameo in CID, recently made headlines — not for his acting, but for his teenage transformation. In a candid interview, the actor revealed that he lost a staggering 32 kilograms in just four months when he was just 16 years old. Even more surprisingly, he claimed that aerobics not only helped him shed weight but also added to his height — something, he said, that defied his family's genetic trend.

While Samthaan’s revelation left fans inspired, it also sparked a debate among health experts and fitness professionals, who urged caution in drawing conclusions between weight loss routines and height increase after puberty.

“I Was Obese and Short for My Age”

Opening up about his transformation journey, Parth said that his teenage years were a mix of insecurity and ambition. “I was obese and short for my age. According to my family’s average height, I was not expected to be very tall,” he shared. “People made fun of me, and that motivated me to change.”

He described a period of intense discipline, fueled by his desire to become an actor. “I took up aerobics and high-intensity cardio. I would work out daily, watch what I ate, and kept a diary of my weight. In four months, I lost 32 kilos. I also grew taller. Aerobics helped in boosting my posture and flexibility — and somehow, my height too.”

Now standing at around 6 feet tall, Parth said the change in his physique drastically boosted his confidence and opened doors in modeling and acting.

Aerobics and Height: Is There a Connection?

While Samthaan’s personal experience is certainly impressive, experts say that linking aerobics to increased height may not be scientifically sound — especially after the age of 16, when most males have already undergone or are nearing the end of their growth spurts.

Dr. Ramesh Mehta, a Mumbai-based endocrinologist, explains, “Height is largely genetically determined, with hormones like growth hormone (GH) and thyroxine playing a role during the growth years. Regular exercise and good nutrition can support healthy development, but they cannot override your genetic blueprint.”

He adds, “Aerobics is excellent for weight loss, stamina, and cardiovascular health. However, it does not influence bone length. The only way it might give the illusion of added height is through improved posture or by shedding body fat.”

Experts Agree: Weight Loss ≠ Height Gain

Nutritionist and fitness coach Priya Sharma echoes the skepticism. “Teenagers often confuse the feeling of looking taller after weight loss with actual height gain,” she says. “When you lose fat around your midsection and stand straighter due to core strength, it can look like you've grown taller. But bone length doesn’t increase through aerobics alone.”

She also notes that the rate of weight loss described by Samthaan — 32 kg in four months, or about 8 kg per month — is highly aggressive. “That kind of weight loss is significant, especially for a 16-year-old. It may lead to leaner appearance, but it also raises questions about sustainability and nutritional impact.”

The Psychological Impact of Transformation

Despite the debate over biological plausibility, one thing most agree on is the mental transformation that often comes with physical changes — especially in adolescence.

“For someone who was mocked or ridiculed, this kind of transformation can be life-changing,” says Dr. Kavita Suri, a clinical psychologist. “The confidence boost, body image improvement, and sense of control can deeply influence self-esteem and career aspirations — particularly in image-driven professions like acting.”

Parth acknowledged this in his interview. “Once I started looking better, people started treating me differently. It gave me the courage to pursue acting. I wasn’t the same shy, insecure boy anymore.”

Fans React: Motivation or Misinformation?

On social media, fans were quick to praise Parth for his honesty. “So inspiring!” wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter). “If he can lose 32 kilos at 16, I can too!” another posted.

However, fitness professionals warn that celebrity stories — while motivating — must be taken with context and caution.

“It’s great to be inspired, but teenagers shouldn’t try to replicate extreme transformations without supervision,” says personal trainer Akhil Rajan. “The goal should always be sustainable health, not fast results. And one should never assume height can be altered post-puberty.”

Why the “Height from Aerobics” Myth Persists

So why does the belief persist that aerobics or stretching can increase height?

Experts point to three reasons:

1. Postural Correction – Exercises like aerobics, yoga, or pilates improve spinal alignment and core strength, making one stand taller.

2. Fat Loss – Losing belly fat can reveal one’s true frame, giving a slimmer and longer appearance.

3. Late Bloomers – Some teens continue growing into their late teens. Coincidental timing with an exercise regimen may lead them to attribute height gains to workouts.

Dr. Mehta adds, “It’s important to distinguish between perception and reality. People feel taller when they are fitter and more confident — and that’s not a bad thing, as long as it’s understood correctly.”

The Bigger Picture: Health Over Myths

Despite the criticism of his claims, Parth Samthaan’s story has a positive takeaway: teenage transformation is possible with discipline, motivation, and effort. However, promoting misleading cause-effect relationships — like aerobics directly causing height gain — can lead to confusion, disappointment, or unhealthy practices among teens trying to achieve similar results.

His fans, particularly young boys who may struggle with body image, can still look up to his journey — as long as it is framed within realistic expectations and proper guidance.

Parth Samthaan’s transformation at 16 is undoubtedly a remarkable feat of dedication and personal resolve. Losing 32 kilograms in four months is no small achievement — it speaks to his focus, ambition, and desire to change his life.

But as much as his journey motivates, it also invites critical questions. Can exercise influence height? Can such rapid weight loss be safe? What should teens actually focus on when trying to improve their fitness?

Perhaps the real lesson from Parth’s story isn’t just about the body — but about the mind. The belief that change is possible, that effort pays off, and that self-worth doesn’t come from appearance alone, but from the courage to evolve.

As long as we separate myth from science, and inspiration from imitation, stories like Parth’s will continue to encourage — not mislead — the next generation.