Skinny With A Double Chin: Why & How To Get Rid Of It

We know how frustrating it can be to work hard to get a fit body, only to feel self-conscious about one small area. 
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Skinny With A Double Chin: Why & How To Get Rid Of It
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Do you find yourself hiding behind scarves or avoiding certain angles in photos because of your double chin, even though you're skinny?

We know how frustrating it can be to work hard to get a fit body, only to feel self-conscious about one small area. 

While it's true that excess body fat is the primary cause of submental fullness, also known as a double chin – it's not the only factor. Even individuals at a healthy weight can struggle with chin fat that just won't budge.

If you’re constantly questioning yourself, “Why do I have a double chin when I'm skinny?”, this article will solve your aesthetic concerns.

In this article, you will learn:

  • Reasons why you have a double chin despite being skinny 
  • Major causes of double chin; improper tongue placement, genetics, poor body posture, etc. 
  • Natural ways to get rid of a double chin while being skinny; mewing, tongue exercises, etc. 
  • Medical treatments to vanish double chin

Let’s get started to help you burn chin fat, sculpt your jawline, and feel confident from every angle.

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Why Do I Have a Double Chin When I’m Skinny?

Many individuals consider themselves lucky to belong to the “thinner” side – it gives them the benefit to have a leaner face with a sculpted jawline. 

But, do you ever wonder why you have a double chin even though you're in great shape?

In a survey conducted on 1,996 Americans, individuals who identified themselves as slim reported negative emotions associated with even a small amount of chin fat.

The presence of a double chin is often associated with a person's weight, as high levels of body fat are a primary cause. However, not all people who have a double chin are overweight, which can leave individuals questioning why this happens. 

If you're someone who is skinny with a double chin – there could be two potential reasons for it. 

  • Firstly, it could be due to a genetic predisposition to storing stubborn fat in the chin area. 
  • Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, it could be due to incorrect tongue posture. Fortunately, mewing can help correct this issue. 

Let’s have a look at the major causes of why you might have a double chin despite being skinny. 

What Causes Double Chin?

Having a double chin is a common concern among people of all ages and body types. Even for those with naturally slender frames, chin fat can be a stubborn problem that can leave them feeling self-conscious about their appearance.

Common causes of double chin vary from genes you carry to poor tongue posture. 

Let’s go into the details of each. 

Genetics can cause double chin even if you skinny

Genetics play a significant role in determining where our bodies store fat, and the chin area is no exception. Some people are genetically predisposed to storing fat in the chin, making it challenging to eliminate with diet and exercise alone.

Poor Body Posture (Lack of muscle tone in the neck and jaw)

Another factor that contributes to a double chin is poor body posture. A lack of muscle tone in the neck and jaw can cause the chin to sag. It forms a fatty layer underneath your chin – a second or a double chin. 

Bad body posture

So, what can help? 

Correcting your posture by sitting up straight and practicing exercises to strengthen your neck muscles can help to prevent and reduce a double chin.

Poor tongue posture and mouth breathing are two important reasons of why you may have a double chin. Improper placement of the tongue or breathing through the mouth can cause the muscles in the neck and chin to weaken, resulting in loose skin around the chin.

By practicing proper tongue posture and nasal breathing, you can keep the tongue and neck muscles engaged, which can help prevent or reduce the appearance of a double chin.

Mouth Breathing Cause Appearing of Double Chin Even if You Are Skinny

A kid breathing through the mouth

Mouth breathing is a common problem that can lead to various health issues, including a double chin. Breathing through the mouth instead of the nose can cause muscles in the neck and chin to weaken. This usually happens due to poor tongue posture. When you breathe through your mouth, your tongue hangs at the bottom of the mouth. But if you maintain proper tongue posture by pressing it to the roof of the mouth, you can avoid this issue. 

By doing so, you'll keep the tongue and neck muscles engaged, which can help prevent a double chin from forming.

Mouth breathing can have adverse effects on the body. It can lead to a lack of oxygen in the body, which causes the body to retain fat in the chin area. This makes it essential to address the issue and fix the dreaded 'mouth breather face’.

If you think that mouth breathing may be contributing to your double chin, consult with a medical professional to determine the best course of action.

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Skeletal Problems or Improper Bite

Poor skeletal structure or an improper bite may also be a culprit behind your double chin. When teeth are misaligned, it can cause the chin to protrude, giving the appearance of a double chin. 

Age

The most common reason for a double chin is the natural process of aging. As we grow older, our skin gradually loses collagen and our jaw muscles weaken, resulting in sagging skin and excess fat accumulating in the chin area.

The Hyoid Bone

The position and size of the hyoid bone, a small U-shaped bone in the neck, can also play a role in causing a double chin. The hyoid bone supports the tongue and other neck muscles, and any changes in its position or size can cause your skin to sag in the chin area.

If you're practicing proper tongue posture or "mewing," you may notice that your hyoid bone is slightly elevated and engaged. This is a good sign that you're doing it correctly. 

For those who are unfamiliar with the hyoid bone's location, it can be found in the middle of the neck, just above the Adam's apple.

Illustration of where hyoid bone is located
Illustration of where hyoid bone is located

Skinny Fat Body Type

Skinny fat, also known as "normal-weight obesity," is a condition where a person has a relatively low body weight, but a high percentage of body fat. This means that they may look skinny. But they still have a significant amount of fat in their body. 

Unfortunately, the fat distribution in skinny fat individuals is often in the submental area, which can cause a double chin.

Studies have found that even individuals with a normal BMI but a high body fat percentage are at an increased risk of developing a double chin. This is because the excess fat in the chin area can accumulate and lead to a double chin. 

Therefore, it is essential to maintain a healthy body composition through a balanced diet and regular exercise to keep the double chin at bay.

Double Chin Caused by Hypothyroidism 

Hypothyroidism is a condition that affects the thyroid gland, resulting in inadequate production of thyroxine, the hormone responsible for regulating metabolism and weight gain. The thyroid gland is located in the neck and may swell due to its improper activity, causing a double chin and a goiter.

Causes Of Double Chin in Skinny People

There are various reasons why skinny people have a double chin, including:

  • Genetics
  • Improper tongue and mouth position 
  • Mouth Breathing
  • Bad posture 
  • Skeletal problems 
  • Age 
  • Medical conditions

Understanding the root causes of a double chin can empower individuals to take the necessary steps to reduce or eliminate it. 

How to Get Rid of Double Chin When You Skinny

Here are some natural ways to easily get rid of that fatty, unwanted layer underneath your chin. 

Practice Mewing

One natural and effective approach is known as "mewing," which focuses on proper tongue posture

Mewing can be a non-surgical and cost-effective way to sculpt your jawline and keep extra fat off from your chin area.

So, how can mewing help with a double chin?

Through specific exercises, such as engaging the muscles in the lower jaw region, you can tighten the skin under the chin without surgery or expensive treatments. 

To learn more about how to mew properly, there are many resources available online, including videos and blogs. 

However, nothing matches the comfort and positive results of personalized guidance.

Consider installing the Mewing App to get all the mewing techniques combined in a single workout. 

Treat Signs of Aging

You can try several natural ways to fight the signs of aging and tighten the skin under your chin.

Facial exercises, such as neck rolls and chin lifts, can help to tone the muscles in the neck and chin area, which can reduce the appearance of a double chin. 

Further ways to treat signs of aging include:

  • Maintaining a healthy diet rich in antioxidants and nutrients that promote skin health.
  • Drinking plenty of water.
  • Avoiding habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
  • Regular use of moisturizers and sunscreen. 

Take a Double Chin Focused Diet

Healthy diet

A healthy diet with a focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods can help promote weight loss and reduce overall body fat. Foods that are high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats can help increase satiety and reduce the number of calories consumed daily. 

Exercise Routine For Double Chin

Getting rid of a double chin is not just about hitting the gym and lifting weights. 

There are multiple effective facial exercises for a double chin that can help you with a more defined and sculpted chin. All you need to do is set your routine for these exercises and get going.

Everything you need for mewing in one app:

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2. Make it a habit

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Facial Exercises To Get Rid of Double Chin If You're Skinny

Here are some facial exercises you can try anywhere and anytime to reduce your double chin: 

Warming Up

Before you give yourself in and practice certain facial exercises, it is essential to warm up your muscles. 

The easiest way to do this is by turning your head from side to side slowly, making sure to keep your shoulders down and relaxed. 

You can also try gently massaging your chin and neck with your fingertips.

Mewing and Tongue Posture Exercises

Let’s begin with the easiest ones.

Mewing involves placing your tongue in a specific position against the roof of your mouth and holding it there for an extended period. This exercise gets your jaw muscles to reach their full strength, which ultimately leads to a sharper jawline. 

Other tongue posture exercises involve:

  • Pushing your tongue against the roof of your mouth, sliding it back and forth, and 
  • Opening and closing your mouth for a while. 

If you have doubts about whether mewing works, there are plenty of before and after mewing transformations available on Quora and Reddit. You will get an idea that mewing is a legitimate and effective approach for enhancing facial structure. 

Tongue Stretch

Your tongue is a powerful muscle that is connected to the lower jaw. One facial exercise that reduces a double chin is the tongue stretching exercise. This exercise targets the side muscles of the frontal neck area where chin fat is commonly stored. 

Once you add tongue stretching into your facial exercise routine, you can activate these muscles and see positive results in reducing your double chin.

Here is how to perform tongue stretching:

  1. Stand straight with your eyes forward.
  2. Stick your tongue out and stretch it out as far as you can. 
  3. Raise the tongue to touch the tip of your nose or it’s always ideal to listen to your body. 
  4. Stay in this position for 10 seconds.
  5. Release.
  6. It’s standard to repeat this exercise 20 to 30 times. 

Bottom Jaw Jut

Doing bottom jaw juts involves these steps:

  1. Tilt your head back and stare at the ceiling.
  2. Turn your head to the right side.
  3. Slowly use your lower jaw to push itself forward.
  4. Hold this position for ten seconds and then release.
  5. Repeat the same steps with your head turned to the left side.

Neck Stretch

Neck stretching involves the following steps:

  1. Tilt your head back and look up at the ceiling or the sky.
  2. Place the top of your tongue against the roof of your mouth.
  3. Hold this position for 10 seconds, and then release.

Make sure you don’t use excessive force just like you do for mewing. 

Pucker Up

Pucker-up is popularly known as “the kissing position”. 

Here is how you do it:

  1. Tilt your head back and look up at the ceiling.
  2. Pucker your lips in a kissing position.
  3. Hold this pose for about 10 seconds, feeling the stretch in your chin and neck muscles.
  4. Relax your lips and bring your head back down to a neutral position.

Ball Exercise

To perform this exercise:

  1. Place a small ball under your chin. 
  2. Gently press your chin against the ball and lift your head upwards. 
  3. Repeat this movement 20-30 times daily to effectively tone the muscles in the chin and neck area.

Straight Jaw Jut

Here are the steps to perform straight jaw jut: 

  1. Look up at the ceiling and tilt your head back.
  2. Gradually push your lower jaw forward until you feel a gentle stretch under your chin.
  3. Hold this position for ten seconds, focusing on contracting the muscles in your neck.
  4. Release the stretch and lower your head back down to its original position.

Remember to repeat this exercise several times daily to tone and strengthen the muscles in your chin and neck. 

Cosmetic Treatments for a Double Chin For Skinny People

Besides the natural methods to get rid of a double chin we outlined above, there are some alternative solutions. 

It's important to note that these solutions may come with a cost, require medical intervention, and involve downtime, which may not be ideal for some individuals.

Mesotherapy

Mesotherapy is a less painful injection treatment compared to others, according to patient reports. However, the most significant difference lies in the composition of the injections. 

Unlike Kybella injections which must contain only one standard ingredient, phosphatidylcholine (PPC), mesotherapy injections have a more diverse range of ingredients.

Lipolysis

Injection Lipolysis is a cosmetic procedure that targets excess chin fat and double chin using deoxycholic acid, a scientifically proven chemical that breaks down stubborn and damaged fat cells that resist traditional diet and exercise. 

One of the most popular and FDA-approved treatments for injection lipolysis is Kybella injections.

ZLipo

ZLipo is a non-invasive fat reduction treatment that uses high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) technology to target and destroy fat cells in the submental area. This treatment works by delivering focused ultrasound energy to the targeted area, which causes the fat cells to heat up and rupture. 

It's important to note that ZLipo is not a substitute for a healthy diet and exercise, and it's not suitable for everyone. People with certain medical conditions, such as pacemakers or metal implants, may not be able to undergo this treatment. 

Make sure to consult with a qualified and experienced practitioner to determine if this treatment is right for you.

CoolSculpting

CoolSculpting is a non-invasive fat reduction treatment that uses a controlled cooling process to freeze and destroy fat cells in the targeted area. It can be used to treat a double chin, as well as other areas of the body. 

The treatment is painless and requires no downtime, and most people see results after just one treatment. CoolSculpting is generally safe and well-tolerated, but it may cause some temporary side effects, such as numbness, redness, and swelling.

Kybella

Kybella is an FDA-approved treatment that uses synthetic deoxycholic acid to destroy fat cells in the targeted area. Deoxycholic acid is a naturally occurring molecule in the body that helps break down dietary fat. When injected into the chin area, it destroys the fat cells, and the body naturally eliminates them over time.

FAQs:

Why do I have a double chin when I'm skinny?

Even if you're skinny, you can still have a double chin due to several factors – including genetics, aging, and poor posture. Losing weight may help reduce the appearance of a double chin, but it may not eliminate it if you’re already skinny. 

Why did I suddenly grow a double chin? 

Sudden changes in the appearance of a double chin may be caused by weight gain, hormonal changes, or aging. It's best to consult a doctor to determine the cause and explore possible treatment options.

Final Thoughts:

We hope that our article has well addressed your hot concern "Why do I have a double chin when I'm skinny?"

Know that various factors can cause a double chin, like genetics, age, posture, and lifestyle. Initially, you can try practicing mewing as well. 

With patience and persistence, getting a sculpted jawline and reducing the appearance of a double chin is possible – no matter what your body type is. 

Pay attention to your body and choose the double chin reduction solution that is most suitable for you.

Resources:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318131

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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8228180/

https://www.atlantafaceandbody.com/what-causes-a-double-chin/

https://medium.com/sunwater/tongue-posture-can-change-your-face-

https://shopetalon.com/blogs/health/can-posture-improve-double-chin

https://www.webmd.com/beauty/how-to-get-rid-of-a-double-chin

https://www.rochesteradvanceddentistry.com/blog/tooth-and-bone-loss-could-be-the-cause-of-your-double-chin/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539726/

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https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/obesity-prevention-source/ethnic-differences-in-bmi-and-disease-risk/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9744757/

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https://www.healthline.com/health/firmness-skin

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https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/mewing 

https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/how-to-get-rid-of-double-chin/

https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/nonsurgical-fat-reduction/injection-lipolysis

https://www.mykybella.com/what-is-kybella

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6679691/

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https://www.healthline.com/health/hifu-for-face

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https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/206333s001lbl.pdf

The information provided in this article is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice or a substitute for professional guidance. Mewing and other techniques mentioned on this website may not be suitable for everyone, and individual results may vary. We strongly recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare professional, such as an orthodontist, dentist, or myofunctional therapist, before starting any new oral or facial exercises, particularly if you have existing dental, orthodontic, or health concerns.
Written by
Yury Nebyshynets
August 1, 2023