Slim Model
We’ve gathered scientific secrets to reducing double chin, flabby checks, and face fat as a whole. Pictured: Jenaye Noah attends the DeGrisogono 'Love On The Rocks' during the 70th annual Cannes Film Festival Getty Images/Andreas Rentz

Losing face fat is an age-old dilemma that affects both men and women, regardless of culture, race, and orientation. Everybody wants their faces to look slim and toned — and everybody can probably agree that having a double chin is just plain unsightly. In addition to its aesthetic issue, face fat is also linked to being overweight or obese. If you’re generally thin but have bothersome face fat, that can be a problem, as well. We’ve gathered scientific secrets to reducing double chin, flabby checks, and face fat as a whole.

1. Reduce your sugar intake

Elevated blood sugar levels make it difficult for the body to get rid of the extra weight. If you’re stuck on a soda drinking habit, make it a priority to change your diet and weed it out gradually. Instead, go for coffee, digestive health-enhancing kombucha, or unsweetened iced tea. Stay away from high fructose corn syrup, processed white flour products, sweeteners, and other types of added sugar.

2. Do more cardio exercises

The extra fat on your face could be the result of excess fat from the rest of your body. Studies have shown that aerobic exercise burns plenty of calories and, thus, boosts fat loss.

3. Drink plenty of water

Water is an essential part of your daily diet and is key to losing face fat. In a study on older adults, drinking lots of water especially during breakfast helps lower your calorie intake for the rest of the day. Water also temporarily boost your metabolism, allowing you to burn fat at a faster rate.

4. Slow down on refined carbs

Pasta, crackers, white rice, and cookies are examples of refined carbs and are common reasons why many people gain weight. These contain little fiber so they are easily digested. This is what leads to highs and lows in the body’s sugar levels and is what prompts you to overeat.

5. Get enough quality sleep

When you don’t get enough sleep, it will be harder for the body to work at burning the calories. According to the Sleep Foundation, adults should have 7 to 9 hours of sleep per day.

6. Limit your alcohol intake

A glass of wine with dinner is all right, but don’t go overboard. For one, alcohol is super high in calories and low in nutritional value, so it is often blamed for bloating and face fat. Experts recommend that men consume only up to two drinks per day, while women should limit themselves to one.

7. Reduce your sodium consumption

Salty foods can push your body to retain more water and that’s why you feel bloated. Processed foods and fast foods are high in sodium and will not contribute to your mission of losing face fat.

8. Eat a high-protein diet

Protein is the most important macronutrient for the body. It helps you lose fat and gain muscle faster. It also helps you feel more full so that you don’t go looking for other foods to satisfy cravings