What Causes Double Chins?

Aging can result in the appearance of a double chin.

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There are three primary causes of a double chin: excess weight, genetic predisposition and age. A double chin is typically considered unattractive because it reduces the definition of your neck and jaw line. Although the most dramatic solution for getting rid of a double chin is cosmetic surgery, there are alternatives for reducing the appearance of a double chin.

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Every individual stores excess fat differently. However, there are a few places on the body that almost always pooch out with weight gain. One of these is the area under the chin leading into the neck. A sedentary lifestyle combined with a diet high in fat and calories can cause weight gain and fat storage along the upper neck. The result is a double chin.

Genetics

Some people have a genetic predisposition for a double chin. This means that a healthy, fit teenager can still have a double chin. Moreover, no matter how much you diet -- if double chins run in your family so to speak -- you are likely to always carry a double chin, too.

Age

As people age, the muscles in their face, jaw and neck lose strength and definition. Their skin may also become less elastic and start to droop. All of these factors can cause the area beneath the chin and along the neck to sag, creating the appearance of a double chin. Additionally, many elderly individuals have declining metabolisms and reduced mobility. This can lead to weight gain and fat storage along the neck, exacerbating the prominence of a double chin.

How to Get Rid of a Double Chin

If you are overweight, your double chin will probably disappear when you shed a few pounds and firm up the area. If your double chin is the result of genetics or age, you may simply have to learn to live with it. However, there are a few exercises that you can do to minimize a double chin. For example, raise your head back as far as it will go. Then slowly open and close your mouth several times. Repeat this 10 times a day for optimum results. Another exercise is sticking your tongue out as far as it will go two to three times a day.

ReferencesLose a Double Chin: What Causes a Double ChinLose a Double Chin: Double Chin ExercisesPhoto Credit Digital Vision./Digital Vision/Getty ImagesRead Next:

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