Does Chewing Gum Reduce Face Fat? The Truth Behind This Viral Jawline Hack

A sharp, chiseled jawline is something many people aspire to have. It’s often seen as a sign of fitness and confidence. Among the numerous online tips for defining your jawline, one trend stands out: using chewing gum to reduce facial fat. But does it really work? Does chewing gum actually reduce face fat, or is it just another viral myth? In this article, we’ll explore what science says, how chewing gum affects your facial muscles, and the right way to achieve a naturally toned face.

Does Chewing Gum Reduce Face Fat?

No, there is no scientific evidence that proves chewing gum can reduce facial fat. It can lead to movement and toning of face and jaw muscles, but it does not burn fat in specific areas. Fat reduction needs a blend of factors, such as a well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and weight loss programs.  

The best idea is to consult your doctor or dentist before starting any new exercise routine, including chewing gum as a jawline workout. 

What Science Says About Chewing Gum & Face Fat?

What Chewing Gum Can Do:

• Strengthen Jaw Muscles: Works on jaw muscles (called masseter muscles), and might slightly improve facial appearance with time.

• Promote Calorie Burn: Burn around 11 calories an hour, contributing to overall calorie expenditure per day.

• Reduce Snacking & Appetite: Reduce mindless snacking, which indirectly supports weight loss from different body parts.

What Chewing Gum Can't Do:

• Do Not Target Facial Fat Only: Even if chewing gum is working on facial muscles, loss of fat throughout the body occurs, depending on genetics and total weight loss.

• Do Not Change Facial Appearance Alone: Chewing gum leads to minimal change or improvement in facial appearance. For a great difference, lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, are needed.

• No Calorie Burn: Though chewing gum burns some calories (nearly 10-15 calories per hour), this amount is too little to cause significant loss of fat from the face. To lose approximately 1 pound of fat, you need to burn around 3,500 calories. 

How Chewing Gum Can Benefit?

While chewing gum can't directly reduce face fat, using it (especially sugar-free varieties) in a moderate amount can provide indirect benefits, like managing cravings or focusing better:

• Freshen your breath: By triggering saliva production, it helps flush out bacteria and food particles from the mouth and freshen up breath.

• Reduce stress: By increasing blood flow to the brain and promoting relaxation, it can improve focus and mood, thus reducing stress.

• Improve concentration & memory: Increases oxygen flow and brain activity, which aids in staying sharp during tasks.

• Manage sleepiness: Boosts circulation and stimulates the brain, which reduces the feeling of sleepiness and improves alertness.

• Minimize food cravings: Help prevent food cravings by distracting and managing hunger signals, especially when you are trying to resist frequent snacking.

Risks of Excessive Chewing Gum

Chewing gum occasionally is safe, but using it too often can lead to the following health issues that you need to be mindful of:

• Dental Problems: Increased sugar intake can cause cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease.

• Digestive Issues: Research shows that sugar-free gums containing xylitol, sorbitol, or mannitol can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea or gas.

• Headaches: A study reports that chewing gum daily can lead to chronic headaches. This happens, as it may tighten facial muscles, which lead to headaches.

• Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD): Repetitive jaw movement through chewing gum can misalign the temporomandibular joint, which is responsible for connecting the jaw to the skull.

• Overdeveloped Masseter Muscles: Constant chewing of gums can lead to excessive and large growth of masseter muscles. This gives a square and huge jawline, which looks ugly.

Signs That Show You Should Avoid Excessive Gum Chewing

These signs may show you are overworking your jaw:

• Jaw pain or soreness that lasts after chewing

• Clicking or popping sound during the opening or closing of the mouth

• Limited movement of the jaw

• A headache that occurs near the temples

• Pain or a tender feeling around the ears

• Facial pain or fatigue

If you experience any of these symptoms, consult a dental professional to avoid more severe issues.

What Are the Effective Ways to Reduce Face Fat?

Here are some best ways to lose facial fat and get a chiseled look:

1. Lifestyle Modifications: 

• Reduce calorie intake: Set a calorie deficit by consuming fewer calories than you burn. 

• Increase physical activities: Practice cardio exercises, like running, biking, or swimming, regularly.  

• Enhance sleep quality: Aim to get at least 7 to 9 hours of sound sleep every night. 

• Reduce stress levels: Engage in stress-reducing techniques, such as yoga poses, meditation, or deep breathing exercises. 

2. Dietary Changes: 

• Cut down on ultra-processed foods or junk foods: Avoid or limit processed foods, sugar-rich foods & drinks, and unhealthy fats, as they can cause inflammation, bloating, and water retention, increasing overall body fat.

• Increase intake of nutritious foods: Add green vegetables, fruits, lean protein, and whole grains to your daily diet, as they reduce inflammation and prevent water retention, lowering overall body fat.

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, as it helps fight off water retention and supports with loss of face fat.

• Limit alcohol & sodium intake: Both alcohol and sodium can contribute to water retention and bloating, which might make your face look fuller.

3. Facial Exercises: 

Exercises to slim the face include:

• Puff cheek exercises: Inhale air and hold it for around 5 to 10 seconds before exhaling. 

• Chin lifts: Tilt the head back and lift the chin upward or towards the ceiling. 

• Jaw clenches: Clench your teeth together to tighten your jaw muscles.

• Tongue stretches: Extend the tongue as far as possible and then hold it for about 10 seconds. 

4. Cosmetic Procedures: 

• Liposuction: A type of surgical procedure that involves the removal of fat cells from the face. 

• Injectables: Certain injections, like Dysport or Kybella, can dissolve or break down fat cells in the face. These are FDA-approved to reduce a double chin in adults.

• Botox: Relaxes jaw muscles, which reduces the size of the jawline. But it gives results for a temporary period that typically lasts for a few months and needs regular maintenance for a persistent effect. 

• Radiofrequency therapy: A non-invasive procedure that utilizes heat to melt and get rid of fat cells.

• Thread lifts: They use dissolving sutures under the skin to tighten and lift the jawline and neck. It offers immediate results but lasts for 1 to 2 years before touch-ups. 

Note: Always seek professional help before making any significant changes to your daily diet or lifestyle habits. Also, carefully consider the cosmetic procedures by discussing them with a qualified dermatologist.

Myths About Chewing Gum and Face Fat

Here are some myths that you need to know before using chewing gum for loss of facial fat:

Myth 1: Chewing gum is a fat-burning workout.

Fact: No. It only engages facial muscles and burns less number of calories

Myth 2: Chewing gum defines the jawline alone.

Fact: No, it doesn't. Factors, such as genetics, body composition, and bone structure, play a major role in defining the jawline.

Myth 3: More chewing = better results.

Fact: No. Excessive chewing of gums can lead to TMJ (jaw joint) issues or joint strain.

Myth 4: Chewing gum can target face fat.

Fact: Spot reduction is not possible. Though chewing gum can help with the movement of jaw muscles, it does not specifically burn facial fat.

Myth 5: Chewing gum changes the facial shape permanently.

Fact: No, it doesn't. Though chewing gum may engage jaw muscles at that moment, it can't reshape the face shape in the long term. Overall body composition and genetics play a bigger role.

Summing Up

So, does chewing gum reduce face fat? No, it doesn't significantly help with face fat loss. Though it might slightly strengthen jaw muscles and help control calorie intake through less snacking, it won't lead to loss of facial fat. For better results, focus on weight loss techniques, a well-balanced diet, and healthy lifestyle habits. 

If you can take care of your hydration and eating habits, you will be able to get your perfect jawline in no time at all.

DISCLAIMER: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It doesn't comprise medical advice. Always consult a qualified medical professional.