The idea that vigorously chewing gum can help slim the face by reducing fat or toning the jawline is a common belief. This claim suggests the repetitive motion acts as a localized exercise, burning fat cells specifically around the cheeks and chin. To determine the truth, it is necessary to examine the physiology of the jaw muscles and how the body manages fat storage. The effects of chewing gum are primarily mechanical on muscle structure, while any impact on facial fat is governed by systemic energy balance.
The Effect of Chewing on Jaw Muscle Structure
The primary chewing muscles in the face are the masseters, which are powerful muscles located at the angle of the jaw. Like any skeletal muscle in the body, the masseter muscles respond to regular, intense resistance exercise by increasing in size, a process known as hypertrophy. Chewing gum, especially hard or tough varieties, provides a form of repetitive resistance that can stimulate this growth.
This increase in muscle size does not burn fat; instead, it causes the muscle tissue to become larger and more prominent. For some individuals, frequent, prolonged chewing can lead to a widening or squaring of the lower face, which is the opposite of the desired slimming effect. The extent of masseter muscle enlargement varies widely based on individual genetics and the frequency and intensity of the chewing habit.
Why Spot Reduction Doesn’t Work for Facial Fat
The fundamental reason chewing gum cannot reduce facial fat is the biological impossibility of “spot reduction.” This is the belief that exercising a specific body part will burn fat only from that area. When the body needs energy, it mobilizes stored fat from cells all over the body, converting triglycerides into free fatty acids and glycerol that enter the bloodstream. This process is systemic, not localized.
The fat stored in the face is subcutaneous fat. Its mobilization is governed by overall body fat percentage, genetics, age, and hormones, not the activity of underlying muscles. Even if the masseter muscles were contracting constantly, the energy needed would be drawn from the body’s general fat reserves, not exclusively from adjacent facial fat cells. For facial fat to decrease, a person must achieve a sustained, overall caloric deficit.
Gum Chewing and Overall Calorie Management
While chewing gum cannot directly reduce facial fat, it may contribute a small amount to overall systemic weight management. The physical act of chewing requires energy, and some studies suggest it can increase energy expenditure by a marginal amount, burning approximately 11 calories per hour. This translates to a minimal increase in the metabolic rate, often cited as a 3% to 5% rise in energy expenditure over a short period.
A more significant, though still modest, potential benefit comes from appetite suppression. Research has indicated that chewing sugar-free gum before a meal may lead to a reduction in subsequent calorie intake. For example, participants consumed around 67 to 68 fewer calories at lunch after chewing gum beforehand. This small deficit, if maintained consistently by replacing a high-calorie snack with gum, could contribute to a gradual reduction in overall body fat.