Many people believe that chewing gum can help eliminate a double chin. The theory suggests that the repetitive motion acts as a workout for the lower face and neck, tightening the area and melting away fat. A double chin, medically termed submental fullness, is the accumulation of excess tissue beneath the chin and jawline. This article examines the science behind the popular claim to determine if chewing gum can truly sculpt the jawline.
The Claim Versus Jaw Muscle Function
The short answer is that chewing gum does not get rid of submental fat. The belief stems from the fact that chewing engages the masseter muscles, which are the primary muscles responsible for jaw movement. Repetitive action can strengthen and slightly increase the size of these jaw muscles, similar to how weightlifting affects the biceps. Strengthening these muscles may contribute to a slightly more defined appearance in the cheek and jaw area.
However, this muscle-toning effect is distinct from fat reduction. The masseter muscles are superficial, lying on the sides of the face, whereas submental fullness is a deposit of adipose tissue located directly under the chin. Exercising a muscle does not automatically cause the layer of fat covering it to disappear. The few calories burned from chewing gum are insufficient to create the systemic energy deficit required for fat loss.
What Causes Submental Fullness
Submental fullness is primarily composed of subcutaneous fat storage. This fat accumulation obscures the natural angle between the chin and the neck, which ideally should fall between 105 and 120 degrees. While excess body weight contributes to the size of these deposits, it is not the sole factor. Submental fat can be present even in individuals who are otherwise slender.
Genetics play a large role in how the body distributes and stores fat, predisposing some people to accumulate tissue specifically under the chin. Aging also contributes significantly, as the skin loses its natural elasticity due to the breakdown of collagen and elastin. This loss of firmness causes the skin to sag, which can worsen the appearance of fullness beneath the chin. Furthermore, the underlying bone structure, such as a naturally recessed chin, can amplify the appearance of a double chin, regardless of the amount of fat present.
Why Spot Reduction Does Not Work
The failure of chewing gum to reduce a double chin is rooted in the physiological process of fat metabolism, which invalidates spot reduction. Fat is stored throughout the body in specialized cells called adipocytes in the form of triglycerides. When the body requires energy, such as during exercise or a caloric deficit, it initiates lipolysis.
During lipolysis, triglycerides are broken down into free fatty acids and glycerol, which are then released into the bloodstream. These components travel through the blood to be used as fuel by active muscles across the body. Crucially, the body determines where it draws this energy from based on systemic hormonal signals and overall energy needs, not on local muscle activity.
Exercising the masseter muscles through chewing does not trigger the targeted breakdown of fat cells directly under the chin. The body mobilizes energy from fat stores across the entire body, with genetics and hormonal factors dictating the order of metabolism. Attempting to burn fat in one area by exercising the muscles beneath it is known as spot reduction. This local muscle work strengthens the muscle but does not selectively use the overlying fat deposit for fuel, confirming that local facial exercises are ineffective for eliminating submental fat.
Effective Methods for Reducing Neck and Chin Fat
Addressing submental fullness effectively requires methods that either reduce overall body fat or directly target the fat cells and skin laxity in the neck area. The most reliable non-invasive approach is achieving a sustained caloric deficit through diet and full-body exercise. When the body consistently burns more energy than it consumes, it draws upon fat reserves from across the body, leading to a decrease in submental fat.
Specific neck and jaw exercises, such as those that strengthen the platysma muscle, can help tone the musculature of the neck and improve posture. While these exercises do not burn the underlying fat, they can contribute to a tighter, more sculpted appearance once the fat is reduced. For cases where fat is resistant to diet and exercise, or for those with a genetic predisposition, medical interventions provide targeted solutions.
Non-Surgical Options
Non-surgical cosmetic options include injectable treatments like deoxycholic acid. This is a naturally occurring molecule that destroys fat cells when injected into the submental area. Once destroyed, these cells are naturally cleared by the body and cannot store fat again.
Surgical Options
Surgical alternatives are available for more pronounced cases or significant skin laxity. These include liposuction to physically remove the fat or a neck lift to tighten loose skin and underlying muscle.