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Published on: 7/15/2025

Why might my face appear to gain weight while my body does not?

Your face might look like it's gaining weight even if your body isn't because facial shape can change with fat distribution and skin elasticity. Hormones could also play a role in how fat is stored in your face.

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Explanation

Sometimes, people notice that their face seems to gain weight even when their body does not. This can happen because fat distribution in the body and face can be different. Facial Shape and Fat: Research shows that the shape of your face can be linked to how fat is distributed. Even if your body weight stays the same, changes in facial fat can make your face look fuller. Skin Elasticity: Another factor is the elasticity of your skin. As we age, skin can lose its elasticity, and this might make the cheeks sag, giving the appearance of a fuller face. Hormonal Factors: Hormones can also affect where your body stores fat. For example, hormone changes, like those from hormone replacement therapy, can influence weight gain and how fat is distributed in the body, including the face. So, even if your overall body weight doesn't change much, these factors can make your face look different.

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