Earlier this summer, an injectable drug named Kybella promised to 'melt away' the layer of fat that forms to create double chins. It proved popular with swathes of people unhappy with their jowl, but did beg the question: is there something other than a pricey and painful procedure to tackle the affliction?
The science behind a double chin is clear. Fat accumulates around the top of the neck and sags to form a wrinkle that looks like a second chin. How to fix it is somewhat less simple.
As with any excess fat, the two ways to tackle a double chin are through diet moderation and increased exercise. Diet-wise, rather than a miracle food to start eating or giving up, it's sadly more a case of heeding classic advice about avoiding foods which are high in saturated fat, trans fatty acids, cholesterol and sugar, as these build up deposits of fat around the body.
As for exercise, according to Livestrong these movements are great for for tightening up that area, even if they do sound a little ridiculous.
- Chew on air in big gulping motions 40 times daily.
- Push on your forehead and experience resistance from your neck muscles for 10 seconds, three times a day.
- Tilt your head back and hold the position for 10 seconds, repeating three times daily.
The Guardian also recommends you "try to rid your jaw line of excess fluid. Some experts think double chins indicate a sluggish lymphatic system. Massage can help. place the thumbs under the jawline, with fingers on the bone. Inch thumb pads towards your ears, pressing firmly but gently."
Additionally, don't ignore the 35 muscles in your neck and jaw when working out. Move your head up and down and side to side to keep them active.
Alternatively, you could just become President and campaign for any unflattering pictures of your double chin to not be used in the media. But that sounds like harder work, to be honest.
