What Causes Chin Fat or Double Chin?
A double chin, also called submental fat, is the common fat layer under the chin. A double chin is often linked to weight gain. However, chin fat occurrence has different causes.
Causes of Chin Fat
Health Problems
A double chin may appear without a change in physical activity or diet. Instead, it could be the result of any underlying medical problem. For example, getting an underactive thyroid may swell the lymph gland. It leads to the growth of goitre, reasons for neck swelling.
Cushing’s syndrome is another medical cause of double chin featured with obesity in the upper body and neck. Other medical conditions linked to double chins include kidney disorders, sinus infections, and salivary gland inflammation.
Genetics
Even if a person is healthy, they may still suffer from a double chin. You may have tried many hours to manage healthy body weight, but the results seem to only occur around the chin. If your other family member has a double chin, you may also get chin fat.
Aging
Reaching a certain age, your skin begins to change. Sadly, nothing can stop aging, and it affects the skin. You will notice loose skin, wrinkles, and sagging skin around the face and the whole body. The sagging skin around the neck often leads to a double chin.
Weight
Obesity is a risky condition accompanied by sleep apnea, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, being obese is one of the most influential causes of a double chin. It is because the chin tends to be one of the places for excess fat storage. The fat you have, the more skin weight down around your cheeks and chin giving you a heavier appearance.
Diet
An unhealthy diet also causes chin fat and a double chin appearance. Fried, processed, trans fat and fast food regularly gather more fat around the chin.
Posture
A poor posture causes weakened chin and neck muscles. In addition, the surrounding skin may lose elasticity when the muscles are not utilized enough. It can lead to double chin growth.
Losing Muscles
Muscle loss also causes a double chin appearance. Again, it is because muscles play a vital role in sustaining the chin. Their absence weakens the chin and makes it appear flabby.