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
Several scientific papers and reviews cover this phenomenon: Biological and Growth Pattern Studies leggy teen
Papers in PMC indicate that youth athletes undergoing rapid lower limb growth may face a higher incidence of growth-related injuries due to these changing proportions. A longitudinal study in the Annals of Human