How to Lose Weight Without Losing Facial Volume: Expert Tips - Nutrition

Share to:

I don't want to slim my face?


Hello Dr.
Liu,
I have a question I would like to ask you.
I have been trying to lose weight recently.
My face was not chubby before; I only had a larger body.
However, during the weight loss process, my face has also slimmed down, and my cheeks have become sunken, while my body is still slightly overweight.
I am concerned that if I continue to lose weight, my face will become even thinner, which I do not want.
I would like to ask if there are any methods to lose a bit more weight while keeping my face fuller.

P.S.
Six months ago, I was 163 cm and 62 kg; currently, I am 163 cm and 56 kg.

Xiao Yun, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/11/14

Dr. Liu Qiaoyun reply Nutrition


Xiaoyun: Hello, your current height and weight are already within the standard range.
The calculation 56 ÷ 1.63 ÷ 1.63 = 21.07 is the formula for Body Mass Index (BMI), with the standard value being 22.
You are currently below that, so please don't lose any more weight! As for your concern about having a thin face but not a thin body, I can only tell you half of the solution: engage in more exercise to tone your body, and it will naturally appear slimmer! Weight alone does not determine if our body shape is acceptable, as the ratio of muscle to fat cannot be perfectly adjusted just by losing weight; it requires exercise to reduce fat and tighten muscles, helping to eliminate a potbelly and bat wings, and to sculpt beautiful lines, which will make you look slimmer (at the same weight).
However, I’m not sure how to prevent your face from losing weight at the same time; you might need to consult other experts for that.
Wishing you health! Beautiful Nutritionist Qiaoyun, 11/15.

Reply Date: 2005/11/14

More Info


Losing weight while maintaining facial volume can be a challenging endeavor, especially for individuals who notice that their face tends to lose fat more readily than other areas of the body. This phenomenon can be attributed to various factors, including genetics, body composition, and the way fat is distributed throughout the body. Here are some expert tips and insights on how to achieve your weight loss goals without sacrificing facial fullness.


1. Understand Body Fat Distribution
It's important to recognize that body fat distribution is largely determined by genetics and hormonal factors. Some individuals may naturally store more fat in their faces, while others may not. When you lose weight, your body tends to lose fat from all areas, including the face. Unfortunately, there is no way to target fat loss in specific areas of the body, including the face.


2. Adopt a Gradual Weight Loss Approach
Rapid weight loss can lead to a more pronounced loss of facial volume. Aim for a gradual weight loss of about 0.5 to 1 pound per week. This slower approach allows your skin and facial tissues to adjust better, potentially minimizing the appearance of a gaunt face.

3. Focus on Nutrition
A balanced diet is crucial for maintaining overall health and can also impact how your face looks during weight loss. Here are some dietary tips:
- Hydration: Ensure you are drinking enough water. Dehydration can lead to a sunken appearance in the face.

- Healthy Fats: Incorporate healthy fats into your diet, such as avocados, nuts, and olive oil. These can help maintain skin elasticity and fullness.

- Collagen-Rich Foods: Foods like bone broth, chicken skin, and fish can support skin health and may help maintain facial volume.

- Vitamins and Minerals: Ensure adequate intake of vitamins A, C, and E, which are essential for skin health. Foods like citrus fruits, leafy greens, and nuts can be beneficial.


4. Incorporate Resistance Training
While cardiovascular exercise is important for weight loss, incorporating resistance training can help build muscle mass. Increased muscle mass can improve your overall body composition and may help your face appear fuller. Focus on exercises that target major muscle groups, and consider facial exercises as well, which some believe can help tone facial muscles.


5. Facial Exercises
While the scientific evidence is limited, some people find that facial exercises can help tone the muscles in the face, potentially leading to a fuller appearance. Simple exercises include smiling widely, puffing out your cheeks, and holding these positions for a few seconds.

6. Consider Professional Treatments
If you find that your face is losing volume despite your best efforts, you might consider consulting with a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon. Treatments such as dermal fillers can restore volume to the face and provide a more youthful appearance. However, these should be considered carefully and discussed with a qualified professional.


7. Monitor Your Progress
Keep track of your weight loss and facial appearance. If you notice significant changes in your face that concern you, it may be worth consulting with a healthcare professional to discuss your concerns and explore options.


Conclusion
In summary, while losing weight without losing facial volume can be tricky, it is achievable with a balanced approach that includes gradual weight loss, proper nutrition, resistance training, and possibly professional treatments. Remember that everyone's body is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. It's essential to focus on overall health and well-being rather than just appearance. If you have ongoing concerns about your weight loss journey and its effects on your facial appearance, consider seeking guidance from a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian who can provide personalized advice tailored to your needs.

Similar Q&A

Natural Ways to Achieve Fuller Cheeks Without Surgery

I have never been overweight before, but ever since I started playing online games, I went from 65 kg to 75 kg. Although I have gained weight, my face has become cuter and more radiant. However, after seeing news reports, I am worried that I might develop diabetes, so I started p...


Dr. Lu Daokuan reply Plastic Surgery
It is normal for younger individuals to have more sunken cheeks, and one can achieve a satisfactory facial shape around the age of 35 to 40 without cosmetic surgery. It is said that occasionally overeating and then dieting to create some fluctuations in weight can be beneficial; ...

[Read More] Natural Ways to Achieve Fuller Cheeks Without Surgery


Effective Tips to Achieve a Fuller Face as You Age

Dr. Lin: Hello! As I get older, my face becomes thinner. Even if I eat and sleep a lot, I only gain weight in my lower body, and when I try to lose weight, I only lose from my upper body. It's quite distressing to see my face becoming more and more gaunt day by day! Please p...


Dr. Lin Mingxing reply Family Medicine
Reply: How to avoid a chubby face 1. Do not lose weight rapidly; aim to lose 0.5 kg per week to avoid sudden weight loss. 2. Dietary adjustments: (1) Maintain a balanced diet by including all five food groups. (2) Ensure adequate intake of collagen-rich foods such as chicken feet...

[Read More] Effective Tips to Achieve a Fuller Face as You Age


Transforming Your Body: Tips for Overcoming Weight and Confidence Issues

1. Naturally round face, chubby arms and legs. 2. 152 cm, 55 kg. 3. When looking in the mirror, I feel that my buttocks are prominent (occasionally with a small belly). 4. Often laughed at for being short and overweight, lacking confidence. Doctor!! HELP!! SOS!!


Dr. Wang Fangli reply Internal Medicine
Hello, A-Ping: To lose weight, you need to expend more calories than you consume each day. I recommend engaging in aerobic exercise and practicing dietary moderation (avoid sweets and fried foods).

[Read More] Transforming Your Body: Tips for Overcoming Weight and Confidence Issues


Why Do My Cheeks Stay Fat While Losing Weight?

How can I prevent my cheeks from losing weight while I am trying to lose weight overall? I have consistently had fuller cheeks and would like to know what might be causing this.


Dr. Shi Guimei reply Nutrition
Hello! In nutrition, there is currently no known dietary method specifically for "fat face." Weight loss generally involves a reduction in the size of fat cells throughout the body (unless there is a specific focus on exercising a particular area). Therefore, if there i...

[Read More] Why Do My Cheeks Stay Fat While Losing Weight?


Related FAQ

Weight Loss

(Nutrition)

Eating Habits

(Nutrition)

Bulimia

(Nutrition)

Acne

(Nutrition)

Dietary Adjustment

(Nutrition)

Weight Loss

(Internal Medicine)

Bowel Movement

(Nutrition)

Height

(Nutrition)

Elderly

(Nutrition)

Chin

(Plastic Surgery)