Research on twins suggests that while genetics play a major role as children approach maturity, environmental factors (nutrition and health) have a stronger influence on limb proportions during the rapid growth phase of early adolescence (ages 6–14).
A longitudinal study in the Annals of Human Biology found that distal segments (like feet and lower legs) usually reach their peak growth velocity before more proximal segments (like the thigh), contributing to the "leggy" appearance. Factors and Implications leggy teen
The adolescent growth spurt of boys and girls of the ... - PubMed Research on twins suggests that while genetics play
This classic PubMed paper details how leg length reaches its peak velocity earlier than the trunk (sitting height). It notes that while girls experience this earlier (around age 10-11), boys' leg lengths typically exceed girls' by age 12. - PubMed This classic PubMed paper details how