Chinese Father's High-Cost Growth Hormone Therapy for Daughter Sparks Debate

A father in Changsha city, Hunan province, China, has sparked widespread debate on social media after reportedly spending approximately 6,000 yuan (about VND 21.6 million) monthly on growth hormone injections for his 12-year-old daughter, solely to enhance her height. He expressed a desire for his daughter to be "tall and elegant." "I have certain standards for my daughter's height," the father shared with the media on July 18. He explained that while children typically grow only 2 to 3 cm in half a year to a year, his daughter has gained 4 cm in just six months due to the growth hormone therapy. He noted that after girls start menstruating, growth hormone secretion decreases, making height development more challenging. He clarified that the injections are not for future career aspirations but because he wishes for his daughter to have a tall physique. "Height is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and this is a worthwhile investment," he stated. A global survey in 2020 indicated that the average height for 19-year-olds in China was 175.7 cm for males and 163.5 cm for females. Typically, growth hormone therapy lasts from six months to two years, requiring multiple injections weekly depending on the child's development rate and bone age. The demand for this treatment surged after the new National Medical Insurance Drug List took effect on January 1, including growth hormone within its coverage. Consequently, the price of long-acting growth hormone has dropped by about 75%, from approximately 3,500 yuan per vial to around 900 yuan. However, medical experts urge caution. Doctors state that growth hormone injections are prescription-only medications, strictly managed for cases with clear pathological diagnoses, and must be used before the growth plates close, typically around age 14 for females and 16 for males. If a child's height is within the normal range, but parents opt for treatment due to excessive anxiety, the child may face dangerous side effects such as endocrine disorders, hyperglycemia, and hypothyroidism. More seriously, this could lead to premature closure of the growth plates, resulting in the opposite effect of hindering the child's height. Therefore, doctors advise families considering such treatment to take their children to reputable hospitals for comprehensive physical development assessments and to undergo standardized medical treatment under direct physician guidance. The father's decision has created two opposing viewpoints in Chinese online communities. One side supports him, praising his dedication and considering him a responsible father whose daughter will appreciate the investment in the future. Some even commend his foresight, believing that good height will provide significant competitive advantages for children in academics, employment, and finding a partner. Conversely, the opposing view asserts that going against natural laws can easily lead to negative consequences, emphasizing that exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate sleep are the optimal solutions for a child's development.