While a double chin is often associated with weight gain, the truth is that genetics, age, and lifestyle habits also play a role. It can, however, be argued, however, that weight is the biggest determinant in whether we form submental fat. So we’ll include some tips to help tilt the odds in your favor!
First, an introduction to the issue:
As we age, skin loses its elasticity or ability to reshape itself after being stretched or compressed. Women are more likely than men to notice this loss of elasticity, which begins to become visible between the ages of 40 to 45 for many.
In this article, we’ll talk about ways to lose the appearance of a double chin. Let’s do this!
Five Exercises to Help Lose a Double Chin
While there is little scientific evidence that facial exercises eliminate a double chin, numerous personal accounts of activities – especially ones that target the jaw and neck – reduce the fatty areas of the face. These areas include submental fat that accumulates around the chin.
Here are five helpful exercises:
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Bottom jaw jut
- Look up at the ceiling by tilting your head back at a 45-degree angle.
- Rotate your head to the right
- Slide your bottom jaw forward (kind of like you have a bad overbite)
- Hold this position for ten seconds, then release
- Repeat the above steps with your head turned toward the left
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Ball press
- Place a 10-inch ball on top of a table or desk
- Using the area between your chin and neck, hold the ball in place
- Push the ball downward with your chin
- Repeat the process twenty to thirty times
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Neck stretch
- Look up at the ceiling by tilting your head back at a 45-degree angle.
- Lift your tongue upwards and hold it against the roof of your mouth.
- Hold this position for ten to fifteen seconds and then release.
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Straight jaw jut
- Look up at the ceiling by tilting your head back at a 45-degree angle.
- Slide your jaw forward until you feel a bit of a stretch.
- Hold this position for ten to fifteen seconds.
- Repeat the above steps one more time and then relax your jaw. Open your mouth wide if you still feel tension, repeating if necessary.
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Tongue stretch
- Keeping your eyes and head straight ahead, stick your tongue out as far as possible.
- Curl your tongue upwards as if you were trying to lick the tip of your nose.
- Hold this position for ten to fifteen seconds and release.
Dietary changes to lose a double chin
As mentioned, one’s weight (followed closely by genetic makeup) is likely the most influential factor in accumulating fat around the face, neck, and chin. By merely incorporating a few foods into your diet, you can get rid of that double chin – along with any other stubborn fat that doesn’t seem to go away!
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Fatty fish
While this one may sound a bit (okay, very) counterintuitive, fish such as Atlantic mackerel, sardines, and wild salmon are packed with omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are strong inflammation fighters; they also encourage a healthy metabolism!
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Chia seeds
Chia seeds are a vegetarian alternative to fatty fish. Just one tablespoon of chia seeds contains over 60 percent, or 2,457 milligrams, of the recommended daily value (DV) for omega-3s! According to studies, here’s an added benefit: it can help reduce your cholesterol.
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Cranberries
Cranberries are packed with vitamins and minerals, but the drink’s ursolic acid makes it a potent fat-fighting food. Numerous studies have shown Ursolic acid to stimulate muscle growth, accelerate metabolic rate, and burn fat.
Of course, there are easier ways to make a double chin disappear! (Hey, it’ll do until you lose it for good, right?) Here are a couple of noteworthy methods:
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Electrical myostimulation (EMS) to reduce a double chin
Electrical myostimulation, or EMS, involves the introduction of relatively light electrical pulses to stimulate underlying muscles. While the technique is generally reserved for areas of the body like the arms, abdomen, and thighs, it could also work around the face and neck area.
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Sculpting and contouring makeup to minimize the look of a double chin
Skillful use of some makeup can decrease the bulge of any double chin. While this is certainly not a recommendable long-term option, a bit of makeup never hurt anyone. For maximum results, take an online lesson in sculpting or contouring if you’re interested.