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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How to Improve a Sagging Double Chin

Face excercises reduce sagging double chins.

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As people age, facial muscles lose elasticity. Muscles make up the cushion the skin rests on. The muscle loses tone causing the skin to sag, most noticeably on the neck and chin. A sagging double chin makes the face look tired, old and elongated. Rejuvenate the face without surgery using simple face muscle excercises. Complete a sequence of excercises daily for at least a month, then three to four times a week, to maintain results.

Related Searches:Difficulty:ModerateInstructions Things You'll NeedMusicSuggest EditsPrepare for Excercises1

Create a relaxing atmosphere. Turn on relaxing music. Burn a calming scented candle. Dim the lights.

2

Position the body for the excercises. Sit on the floor with back straight. Fold your legs comfortably.

3

Relax and calm the body so the muscles also slack, and are more flexible for excerising.

Front to Back1

Tilt the head back.

2

Keep it back for 10 seconds.

3

Return head back to the forward position, feeling the stretch in the jaw line.

4

Repeat for five sets.

Tongue Press1

Lean the head back so your eyes face the ceiling.

2

Push your tongue firmly against the roof of the mouth, strengthening the neck and face. Press the tongue up for 5 seconds.

3

Repeat five to 10 times.

Side Neck Stretch1

Look straight ahead. Turn your head slowly to the right, until the chin is even with the shoulder. Hold for 5 seconds, exercising the side of the neck. Return head to the straight-ahead position.

2

Turn head slowly to the left, until the chin is even with the shoulder. Hold for 5 seconds, excercising the side of the neck. Return the head to the straight-ahead position.

3

Repeat three times on both sides.

Side Head Tilt1

Tilt your head to the right. Hold this position for 5 seconds, feeling the stretch in the neck. Lift your head back to center.

2

Tilt your head to the left. Hold the position for 5 seconds, feeling the stretch in the neck. Lift your head back to center.

3

Complete three sets on each side.

Open Mouth1

Tilt your head back as far as it will go.

2

Open your mouth wide, slowly and deliberately. Close your mouth slowly, feeling the facial muscles tighten.

3

Repeat 10 times.

Tongue Stretch1

Stick your tongue out as far as it will go.

2

Feel the muscles stretch underneath the jaw line. Hold for 5 seconds.

3

Repeat 10 times.

ReferencesAgeless: Neck and Throat Facial ExcercisesFacial Exercises: Flex Your Face and Look Amazing!Facial Excercises Guide: To Get Rid Of Double Chin -- 3 Double Chin ExercisesShape Your Face: Exercise Four - Front of NeckPhoto Credit Siri Stafford/Lifesize/Getty ImagesRead Next:

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