It’s estimated that 90% of women and 10% of men suffer from the formation of cellulite. While you may recognize the lumpy, bumpy appearance of skin that indicates cellulite, you probably don’t know that it is nothing more than fat in the body pushing against fibrous connective tissues, resulting in unsightly ripples and puckering of the skin.
Because cellulite is no cause for medical concern, most people simply accept it as a part of getting older and never attempt to get rid of it. Or they may try OTC creams that aren’t particularly adequate to treat the condition.
This is unfortunate, because living with cellulite need not be a foregone conclusion. There are a variety of options for cellulite removal, or at least reduction of the appearance of cellulite.
When you understand what causes cellulite to form in the first place, you’ll gain some insight into how you can treat it, both on your own and with the help of professionals. Here are a few things you should know about the causes of cellulite.
Genetics
Cellulite tends to be hereditary, so if your parents have it, there’s a good chance you will, too. Even so, you don’t necessarily have to succumb to the flaws of your genetics.
Although there’s nothing you can do about your cellular makeup, including how your fat cells form and the relative elasticity of your connective tissues, knowing that you are genetically predisposed to have cellulite can allow you prepare for it and perhaps even prevent, minimize, or treat the effects.
It’s important to understand that you don’t necessarily have to be overweight to suffer from cellulite – this is a common misconception. So don’t be surprised if members of your family suffer from the telltale symptoms of cellulite despite a thin frame.
Hormones
One of the reasons women may suffer more from cellulite than men is that it is thought to be linked to hormones, including estrogen, which increases fatty tissue in the body. The condition may be caused by a number of factors, but several hormones are thought to play a role in contributing to the formation of cellulite.
Unfortunately, once connective tissues lose elasticity, the condition is difficult to reverse. However, the fat cells that push against the connective tissue can always be reduced through liposuction, laser treatments, or other body contouring procedures. There are even therapies that may soften fibrous bands of connective tissue.
Because cellulite is merely cosmetically unappealing, rather than harmful to your health, you probably don’t want to pursue any kind of hormone treatments solely for the purpose of eradicating cellulite, especially since they’re unlikely to have much effect after the fact. Balanced hormones could help to prevent the formation of cellulite to a degree, but there is no guarantee of this, and other options are likely to be more effective.
Weight
Extra weight isn’t always a necessary factor for the formation of cellulite, but being overweight can definitely contribute to the appearance of cellulite. If you happen to be overweight, you may see some improvement in the appearance of cellulite through weight management and exercise that helps to shrink fat cells and tone and tighten your body.
Diet
Whether you need to learn how to lose belly fat or reduce overall weight or not, your diet can play an important role in the appearance of cellulite. Certain foods are more likely to be stored in the body as fat, including sugars and carbohydrates, especially when paired with excess sodium intake.
A balanced diet that includes plenty of lean meats, low-fat dairy, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and most importantly, adequate fiber, will help to keep your body functioning at its peak. However, you also need to pay attention to the amount of food you consume, especially if you’re dealing with weight issues that could exacerbate cellulite.
Lifestyle
It would be great if simple diet and exercise were enough to eradicate cellulite, but the truth is that any number of factors could contribute to the formation and appearance of cellulite. In terms of lifestyle, several choices could impact the condition.
For example, you may be more likely to get cellulite if you smoke. Toxins in your system can prevent proper lymphatic and other functions that help to reduce the formation of cellulite. Standing or sitting for extended periods of time could also be problematic.
In some cases, lifestyle changes may help you to avoid or even reduce cellulite that has already formed, but real results will probably require professional treatments. Becoming aware of the causes of cellulite can only help you to prevent or deal with this undesirable condition.
