Does Your Head Get Smaller When You Lose Weight? (Explained)
June 18, 2022
Losing weight is a common goal for many people, and some people are unhappy with their outward appearance from the neck up and want to change it, but does your head get smaller when you lose weight?
No, your head actually does not get smaller when you lose weight. This is due to the fact that your head is mostly made up of your brain and skull, and your brain and bones do not shrink when you lose weight.
Let’s get into a little bit more detail, shall we?
Your head does not shrink when you lose weight. This is a common misconception, especially amongst people who are trying to lose weight from their face and neck.
All individuals have their problem areas. Some people want to lose weight from their abdomen, some from their hips, and maybe some want smaller legs. However, some people also want to lose weight from the neck up too!
To be perfectly honest, some people might actually find their head appears bigger when they lose weight, because other areas on their body have decreased in size, but their head did not.
This is known as the bobblehead effect. This is however usually only apparent when individuals lose TOO MUCH weight. In a healthy person, this will not occur.
But, this does prove that it is not possible for your head to get smaller when you lose weight.
Why Does Your Head Not Get Smaller When You Lose Weight?
The main reason your head does not get smaller when you lose weight is because it is made up of your brain and skull bones, and your brain and bones do not shrink when you lose weight. This is just not possible.
Your brain makes up about 2% of your body weight, and your skull is also solid bone. When you lose weight, the fat cells in your body shrink, but your brain and skull remain the same size.
The only way to really change the size of your head is through surgery, which is not usually possible unless there is a medical necessity.
The best way to lose weight is through a healthy CALORIE DEFICIT, which will help you lose weight all over your body, including your head and face.
You Can’t Spot Reduce Fat
While it is important to know that your head will not actually get smaller when you lose weight, it is also important to know that you cannot choose where you lose weight from.
It’s important to remember that everyone is different and will lose weight in different areas of their body first. Some people may see results in their face and neck first, while others may see results in their abdomen or legs first.
This comes down to the simple fact that many of the areas we store fat in are controlled by genetics.
This does not mean that you will never lose fat from these areas, but it may take some more time and some fine tuning to your calorie deficit to get there.
Where you Can Expect to Lose Weight from on your Head
Now, don’t be sad that you will not get a smaller head when losing weight, because there is good news after all.
While your head will not shrink when you lose fat, you can expect to see changes from the neck up that YOU WILL notice.
As discussed, we lose fat from multiple areas on the body.
While you will not see your head get smaller when you lose weight, you will notice fat loss from other areas such as:
Your cheeks
Your jawline
Your chin
Your neck
Your forehead
This is in all actuality what you are trying to achieve.
By losing weight from these areas, you will drastically improve your appearance from the neck up, and of course, this will make your head appear smaller.
The short answer is yes, but the changes are usually fairly small and not noticeable to others.
These changes you may notice are due to the fact that you are losing fat from areas on your head, not because your head is physically changing shape. Remember, we cannot decrease the size of bone when losing weight.
When you lose weight, the fat cells surrounding your head and neck will shrink along with the rest of your body. This can give your head a slimmer appearance because there is less fat, which will decrease overall mass.
In addition, losing weight can also correct some underlying medical conditions that can cause swelling, such as sleep apnea or hypothyroidism. However, it’s important to remember that any changes to your head shape will be subtle and take time to develop.
So if you’re looking for a quick fix, you’ll be disappointed. But if you’re patient and commit to a healthy lifestyle, you may be surprised by the changes that occur in your appearance – including your head shape.
Will Losing Weight Change my Face Shape?
Losing weight can most certainly change your face shape. This is because when you lose weight, you are also losing fat from your face.
Since fat tends to add fullness to your features, a leaner face will often look slightly different than a face that is carrying extra weight.
So, if you’re hoping to change your face shape, losing weight is one of the best things you can do.
This is even better news because most people will say that the first area they notice weight loss from first is their face.
Of course, it is not guaranteed you will see weight loss from your face first, you might notice it coming off from elsewhere first such as the clavicular area or even your arms, but eventually you will see some fat loss from your face.
Losing weight from your face will do wonders for your face shape and make for a more youthful and healthy appearance.
Just be patient- it may take a few weeks or even months for your new face shape to become fully apparent. And remember, the best way to lose weight is slowly and steadily, so don’t try to crash diet in an effort to achieve results more quickly.
Losing weight the healthy way will not only give you a new face shape, but it will also improve your overall health and well-being. Let’s not forget that.
Conclusion
So there you have it- your head will not shrink when you lose weight, but you can expect to see some changes in your appearance from the neck up when you lose fat, and you will surely appreciate these changes.
Losing weight can change your face shape and make your head appear smaller overall, so if that’s your goal, don’t give up on your weight loss goals!
With patience and commitment, you will see the results you want to achieve as long as it is something you really want.
Below are a list of frequently asked questions people have when asking if they can lose weight from the head and face.
1. I’ve been dieting and working out for months now but I haven’t seen any changes in my face shape. What gives?
Remember, it takes time to see results from your weight loss efforts. The changes in your face shape will be subtle, so don’t expect to see a drastic transformation overnight.
Be patient and keep at it- eventually you will start to see the results you want as long as you maintain a calorie deficit over time.
2. What’s the best way to lose weight from my face?
The best way to lose weight from your face (or anywhere else on your body) is to commit to a healthy lifestyle and a calorie deficit. This means eating a nutritious diet and burning more calories than you consume.
If you do this, the weight will come off gradually and evenly from all over your body, including your face.
3. Will losing weight make my eyes appear smaller?
Losing weight can change the appearance of your eyes, but usually only marginally. This is because when you lose fat from your face, it can cause your skin to become more lax, which can make your eyes appear slightly sunken in.
4. I’m worried about losing too much weight and my face becoming gaunt. How can I avoid this?
If you’re worried about your face becoming gaunt or too skinny, simply make sure you’re eating enough food to maintain a healthy body weight. Do not maintain too strict of a caloric deficit.
Losing weight slowly and steadily is the best way to avoid losing too much at once and ending up with an unhealthy appearance.
5. Will My Nose Get Smaller When I Lose Weight?
Quite possibly. The size of your nose is largely determined by your bones and cartilage, which don’t change much in adulthood.
However, it’s possible that you may see a slight reduction in the size of your nose as you lose fat.
Fatty tissue can build up around the base of the nose, making it appear larger than it actually is. So, as you lose weight, this fatty tissue will be reduced and your nose may appear slimmer.
