There are various medical conditions that may contribute to a double chin. Some of these include an underactive thyroid, Cushing's disease, kidney disorders, salivary gland inflammation and a sinus infection.
An underactive thyroid can also result in puffiness, swelling, and fluid retention. Hyperthyroidism generally results in weight loss making it less likely to cause a double chin. However, hyperthyroidism can be associated with thyroid swelling (goiter), which could create the appearance of a double chin.
When you touch it, you can tell it isn't fat since it is firm and doesn't move much. Most thyroid goiters are painless, but they may produce symptoms due to their size itself. The most common symptom from a thyroid goiter is a lump in the neck.
A swelling or enlargement in the neck is a visible clue that something may be wrong with the thyroid. A goiter may occur with either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Sometimes swelling in the neck can result from thyroid cancer or nodules, lumps that grow inside the thyroid.
The thyroid gland is located at the base of the neck, just below the Adam's apple. Thyroid nodules are solid or fluid-filled lumps that form within your thyroid, a small gland located at the base of your neck, just above your breastbone.
There are various medical conditions that may contribute to a double chin. Some of these include an underactive thyroid, Cushing's disease, kidney disorders, salivary gland inflammation and a sinus infection.
A lack of thyroid hormone can be associated with facial swelling, though not everyone with hypothyroidism experiences this symptom. Facial puffiness is most common in advanced hypothyroidism. It usually accompanies other changes in a person's appearance, including a change in skin texture and tone.
Weight gain
Even mild cases of hypothyroidism may increase the risk of weight gain and obesity. People with the condition often report having a puffy face as well as excess weight around the stomach or other areas of the body.
According to Steven D. Shapiro, M.D., at-home thyroid tests are very easy to use. “They are sent directly to your house, require an easy finger prick, and are sent back in the mail. Most kit providers can turn results around within just a few days, similar to the wait-time for in-person lab results.”
While people typically have some control over their weight and posture, other factors that are out of a person's control can contribute to a double chin. This includes a person's genetics, because having a family history of poor skin elasticity or extra fat storage under the chin can often be inherited.
A double chin, also known as submental fat, is a common concern because hormonal changes and genetics can lead to fat tissue accumulation in the chin area. Losing weight can help reduce your overall body fat percentage, but you can't spot-reduce fat.
People with a double chin, or submental fat, have an excess layer of fatty tissue under their lower jaw. This common condition affects young and old, men and women. And it happens for a variety of reasons. You don't have to be overweight to get a double chin.
Fatty Foods Such as Butter, Meat, and All Things Fried
Fats may also interfere with the thyroid's ability to produce hormone as well. Some healthcare professionals recommend that you cut out all fried foods and reduce your intake of fats from sources such as butter, mayonnaise, margarine, and fatty cuts of meat.
Hypothyroidism slows down your metabolism, making it more difficult to lose extra pounds and maintain a healthy body weight.
How much weight can I expect to lose once the hypothyroidism is treated? Since much of the weight gain in hypothyroidism is accumulation in salt and water, when the hypothyroidism is treated one can expect a small (usually less than 10% of body weight) weight loss.
A swollen fingertip, curved nail, and thickening skin above a nail are often signs of thyroid disease.
Sensitive Skin and Skin Discoloration
Thyroid hormones also influence the quality of your skin in various ways. For example, with hyperthyroidism, you may notice itchy and dry patches of skin. Your face may feel softer and swollen. You may even notice swelling around your fingertips.
An overactive thyroid can affect anyone, but it's about 10 times more common in women than men, and typically happens between 20 and 40 years of age.
Because hypothyroidism develops slowly, you may not notice symptoms of the disease for months or even years. Many of these symptoms, especially fatigue and weight gain, are common and do not necessarily mean you have a thyroid problem.