Chubby cheeks are caused by a combination of factors, primarily genetics (natural fat distribution and buccal fat pads), overall weight gain, and lifestyle elements like a poor diet (high sodium/refined carbs), alcohol, and lack of sleep, leading to fat accumulation or fluid retention; aging and certain hormonal conditions can also play a role, as can underlying issues like bulimia.
If there is no medical cause, there are several steps you can take to try and eliminate excess cheek fat.
How to lose face fat
If you're looking for ways to make your cheeks chubbier and plumper, the best way is to incorporate healthy fats into your diet. Avocados, nuts and seeds, olive oil, and fatty seafood like salmon are all good sources of healthy fats that promote normal weight gain.
Reduce your salt intake: Too much salt (sodium) can cause your body to retain fluid, which increases swelling. Try to eat less processed foods. Drink more water: When you're dehydrated, your body holds onto more fluid, leading to swelling. Make sure to drink plenty of water every day.
Cortisol face—sometimes called “moon face” or stress face—is a real condition where chronic stress or high cortisol levels cause facial puffiness, swelling, and changes in fat distribution. 2. What causes cortisol face? Cortisol face is caused by elevated cortisol, your body's primary stress hormone.
Diet and other lifestyle habits may cause a puffy face, but you can make changes to help de-bloat. A low-sodium diet, adequate sleep, and exercise help reduce the appearance of a puffy face. Limiting your alcohol intake, doing a lymphatic massage, and staying hydrated may work, too.
Weight gain is typically the cause of facial fat, and your diet plays a critical role. People who eat food with saturated fat and transfats tend to gain weight overall, and the face is no exception. Lack of an adequate amount of exercise can also lead to weight gain and fat deposits in the face.
These full, rounded cheeks are often associated with vitality and youth. However, having excess fat in the cheeks may not always feel so endearing for adults. It can lead to a face that looks too round or too full, perhaps causing discomfort or a lack of confidence.
And as we age, we naturally lose facial fat. "Our facial fat pads shrink, and our facial skeleton even shrinks, all of which leads to deflation and ultimately contributes to sagging as that internal support is diminished," said Kristy Hamilton, MD.
More care about your sleep
Getting more sleep is an important overall weight loss strategy. It can also help you lose face fat. Lack of sleep can cause an increase in cortisol levels, a stress hormone that comes with a long list of potential negative effects, including weight gain.
You may simply have a genetic pre-disposition to store more fat in your face and buccal fat pads. Additionally, many people are simply born with a naturally larger or thicker buccal fat pads. This fat storage isn't always evenly distributed either – you may have larger buccal fat pads but have a slim body.
Magnesium Supplements
Magnesium is a type of mineral called an electrolyte, which helps balance your sodium levels. Studies show they may lower inflammation as well as puffiness in people who retain a lot of water.
Facial fat grafting may be permanent. The longevity of your results largely depends on the number of fat cells which establish a healthy blood supply and survive long-term.
Fat Accumulation Under the Skin : Fat tends to accumulate in certain areas of the face as we age, such as the cheeks and chin. This can result in a fuller or wider appearance of the face. Facial Bone Structure :As we grow older, the structure of the facial bones may begin to change.
Most people begin to notice a shift in the appearance of their face around their 40's and 50's, with some also noticing a change in their 30's.
7 Foods to Slim Down Your Face Naturally
Sugary foods: Sugary food items like cookies, cake, candy, and other sweets can contribute to weight gain and bloating. As a result, they can also lead to increased face fat. Fried foods: French fries, fried chicken, and other fried foods can also cause weight gain and lead to more face fat.
No. Chewing gum involves a lot of movement, so it can engage the muscles in your face and jaw. It primarily exercises the muscles involved in chewing and may contribute to overall muscle tone in that area. But chewing gum does not help to get rid of facial fat, says internal medicine specialist Dr Ajay Aggarwal.
Avoid salty and processed foods, as they cause water retention. Get enough sleep and reduce alcohol intake, which can also lead to facial bloating. You may gently massage your face or use a cold compress to reduce swelling. Eating fruits like watermelon and cucumber can also help due to their high water content.
Not only does the roller help to encourage lymphatic drainage, but the cold temperature helps to constrict the blood vessels and further reduce puffiness.
When you eat a bowl of instant ramen, the most immediate thing your body processes is sodium. A single packet can contain a massive amount of salt, often close to the entire recommended daily limit. This high sodium intake can lead to temporary water retention, making you feel bloated and thirsty.