13-year-old boy over 2 meters tall eats 0,7 kg of beef per meal

A 13-year-old boy from Zaozhuang, Shandong, stands 2,01 m tall and consumes double the food of an adult; however, medical experts warn this could indicate a health concern.

A humorous story recently went viral on Chinese social media, featuring a mother in Zaozhuang city, Shandong province, using a "giant bowl" to encourage her tall son to eat. The 13-year-old boy, standing 2,01 m tall, reaches the top of his door frame, towering over his peers. When he stands straight, he nearly touches the upper edge of the door frame.

What captured the most attention was his unique eating set. His mother brought out an "enormous serving bowl", significantly larger than the family's regular dinner bowls.

The 13-year-old boy's height nearly touches the door frame. Photo: Sina

According to Shandian News on 2/10, the boy's family reported he consumes about 0,7 kg of beef per meal. His total daily food intake is double that of an adult. His father commented, "Raising children is like planting a tree; you have to feed them whether they like it or not."

The family shared that the boy's exceptional height appeared early. By grade 3 or 4, he was already 1,75 m tall. From 6-7 years old, he began using adult-sized bowls. His height and appetite steadily increased over time, prompting the family to switch to larger bowls to meet his needs. Both his parents are professional kayak coaches; his father is 1,94 m tall, and his maternal grandmother is 1,76 m. These family genetic traits contribute to his physical development.

The 13-year-old boy's height surpasses his peers. Video: Shandian News

However, medical experts advise that a height of 2,01 m at 13 years old is unusual and may signal endocrine disorders such as growth hormone excess (gigantism) or Marfan syndrome. The World Health Organization (WHO) states the average height for a 13-year-old boy is approximately 156,7 cm. Early pediatric and endocrine examinations are crucial for accurate diagnosis, allowing for timely intervention to manage growth and prevent complications.

The family also needs to consult a doctor or nutritionist to ensure an appropriate diet. This will meet the child's immense energy requirements while remaining balanced, preventing obesity or micronutrient deficiencies.