When fat cells get trapped and swell within the skin in areas like the hips, buttocks and thighs it gives the surface skin the appearance of cottage cheese. This skin condition is called cellulite. Over 85% of females over the age of 20, regardless of weight, size or exercise status are affected by cellulite. Even the most disciplined athletes are not immune from the lumpy dimpled skin appearance. Once considered a fat persons problem no longer rings true.
Why does cellulite form in select areas like the abdomen, hips, thighs and buttocks? Some believe heredity, hormones, circulatory changes and inflammation play a part in its development. The subcutaneous fat is separated by thin fibrous tissue called septae. These fibers run up and down or perpendicular to the deep skin. These fibers are constantly cleansed by body fluids, and poor circulation retards this cleansing process. As the excess fluid and toxins begin to accumulate in the surrounding tissue causing the fat cells to swell, and then slowly thicken and become hard pockets of immovable fat. Because of the up and down nature of the fibrous tissue and given this tissue is also inflexible, as the fat cells expand and begin to bulge upward the septae pull downward on its “anchor points” as the surrounding tissue continues to expand. This results in a pulling of the skin causing the orange peel appearance of the cellulite on the skin surface. The normal drainage of fluid for the area becomes impaired and the effects remain.
Cellulite is not a product of obesity. Even those who are of average weight or even underweight will have this skin condition. Diet can play a role in cellulite formation however. It has been show to affect the amount and the development of cellulite. Too much fat, carbohydrates, salt or too little fiber can amplify cellulite. Dieting does not eliminate the dimpled appearance. However a balanced diet and exercise can contribute to the reduction of the fat content within the distorted cells, thus reducing its contribution to the dimpling. Certain lifestyle habits may also attribute to cellulite production such as smoking, lack of exercise, food high in starch or fat and prolonged standing or sitting. Hormones such as estrogen as well as those released with high stress lifestyles will also increase the production of cellulite.
Cellulite has no definitive cure and there is no surefire way to eliminate it forever. Cellulite is ranked in stages from mild to severe. The good news is that it is not a disease or illness in the real sense of the word, but a sign that your lifestyle may be unhealthy. Treatments available will target the current symptoms and reduce the cottage cheese appearance. Continued maintenance treatments will always be required. |
