Cellulite, its every woman’s nightmare. We dread its appearance and would do just about anything to make it go away, even run through remedies that don’t really seem to hold water. But what can we really do? What methods will really work? Is there something we can do to prevent it? What causes cellulite to develop on our bodies and why?
Well, despite popular and social beliefs, cellulite is actually a natural variation of the skin. (MedicineNet, 2007). It isn’t some terrible disease we must be rid of despite what any social stigma may be attached to it. Cellulite develops due to our bodies make up, and it isn’t something that only modern day women (and some men) have to deal with. People have been frustrated over the dimply appearance of cellulite on their thighs, hips, and buttocks for years. It was recorded as early as 150 years ago in France. (Healthpoint, 2007). While that may not comfort you, take comfort in the fact that we know a lot more about cellulite now than we did then.
We know now that cellulite is the body’s reaction to the storage of large amounts of fat, and it is prevalent in females more often than males. In order to deal with the amounts of fat present in the body, most particularly in the lower regions of the thighs, hips, and buttocks, the body creates a support structure. An intricate network of “protein strands (collagen) that weave through the fat stores and attach to the skin.” (Healthpoint, 2007). It is the tension of the collagen strands as they pull on the skin and the body fat within them that creates the dimpling known as cellulite.
We also know there are some factors that actually influence whether a person will have cellulite or not. Factors such as age, genes, gender, skin thickness, and body fat, all contribute in determining if you will have cellulite. (Nemours Foundation, 2007). Additional factors may include poor blood and lymphatic circulation, hormonal imbalances, connective tissue weakness, premature skin ageing, poor nutrition, excessive alcohol intake, and a sedentary lifestyle. (Healthpoint, 2007).
The important thing to remember is that knowing the causes and factors behind cellulite does not mean that it is completely preventable. As stated earlier, cellulite is a natural body variation, so for some people cellulite is one of those things that they’ll have to deal with. Unfortunately, we all have these little trials. However, the good news is that although there are no absolute treatments that ensure a “cure” to cellulite, there are ways to reduce cellulite or the appearance of it.
First, beware of yo-yo dieting. This form of dieting can cause one to lose weight upstairs while leaving fat stores in the buttocks, thighs, and hips thus contributing to a worse cellulite problem than before you started. (Tran, 2007). If you’re going to diet as a means of controlling cellulite, eat a healthy balanced diet and exercise regularly. Keep muscles toned and healthy to keep your body as taut and smooth as possible. (MedicineNet, 2007). The key is to keep your body within a healthy fat range. Being overweight will make your cellulite problem worse and more visible. It seems that dieting and exercise are really the best ways to keep cellulite in check. Other quick fix methods such as liposuction or injections of drugs into cellulite areas have little effect or have very short-lived results.
Topical creams can be used, however, their results will be minimal unless they are coupled with a dietary plan and exercise. Remember, you are trying to rid your body of something under the skin, so a purely topical solution won’t work alone. Even deep tissue massages do little to help. MedicineNet reports that deep tissue massages appear to redistribute fat stores and not eliminate them or permanently alter them (2007) and is thus an unjustifiable treatment for cellulite. While this method may provide results, they will only be temporary.
Experts agree than an exercise routine that combines aerobic exercise with strength training is the best weapon against cellulite.” (Nemours Foundation, 2007). So if you’re looking for a cellulite solution, you might want to start looking right at home where a healthy diet and exercise regimen take root.
References:
MedicineNet. (2007). Cellulite. Retrieved March 19, 2007, from MedicineNet Website: http://www.medicinenet.com/cellulite/article.htm
Healthpoint. (2007). Cellulite. Retrieved March 19, 2007, from Yahoo Health Website: http://au.health.yahoo.com/041101/25/1u7y.html
Nemours Foundation. (2007). What is Cellulite? Retrieved March 19, 2007, from Teens Health Website: http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_body/beautiful/cellulite.html
Tran. M. (2007). Cellulite. Retrieved March 19, 2007, from Find Articles (Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine) Website: http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_g2603/is_0002/ai_2603000260
