Causes And Myths About Cellulite

Lily

B.R
Staff member
Cellulite is a term used to describe the dimpled appearance of skin caused by fat deposits that are just below the surface of the skin. It generally appears on skin in the abdomen, lower limbs, and pelvic region, and it usually occurs after puberty. Cellulite is also known as adiposis edematosa, dermopanniculosis deformans, status protrusus cutis, and gynoid lipodystrophy in the medical field and as orange peel syndrome, cottage cheese skin, hail damage, and the mattress phenomenon in colloquial language. Cellulite is an incredibly common condition. As many as 95% of women have cellulite. It is more common in ageing women, although in some cases, girls as early as fourteen start to develop cellulite. Men, unlike women, have different fibrous septae structure. This is the reason that even obese men often do not have cellulite. Women also have less collagen in their skin, thus making it easier to see cellulite. Furthermore, women also have a higher percentage of body fat, especially in the "problem" areas of thighs and hips. Men, however, are not immune - indeed, some do have cellulite. To learn more go through the article below for cellulite myths and causes.

Cellulite Myths And Causes

Causes Of Cellulite

  • One of the main causes of cellulite is due to genetics. Some people naturally have more fat cells, weak veins, and other physiological factors that result in cellulite.
  • Obese people are prone to cellulite as they have an abundance of fatty tissues. The fat accumulation in overweight people pushes the cellulite outward, which gives it an ugly appearance.
  • Women are more affected by cellulite than men. This is because the female hormone, estrogen, plays an important role in determining the number and location of fat cells in the body. This hormone also encourages the fat cells to grow around the breasts, thighs, and buttocks leading to the development of cellulite. Another hormone, progesterone, leads to fluid retention, weak veins, and weight gain.
  • Excessive smoking can also lead to the development of cellulite. Nicotine can cause the blood vessels to constrict and thus reduce blood circulation.
  • Cellulite is a mixture of toxic wastes that the body fails to eliminate. Since, water helps in eliminating the toxins, drinking less water can lead to toxins.
  • A diet that is rich in processed foods and beverages like caffeine, alcohol, promotes cellulite formation as the toxins formed by them get embedded in the fatty tissue.
  • Even diet and sleeping pills can lead to cellulite. These pills increase the water retention and so the body cannot flush out the toxins.
  • Sedentary lifestyle is also a major cause for the formation of cellulite. Lack of exercise and an indulgence in junk food results in poor circulation and weak muscle tone that leads to cellulite.

Cellulite Myths

  • The most prevalent myth about cellulite is that it affects only those who are overweight. Though obese people are more likely to get cellulite, it also affects those without any weight issues. Anybody with poor circulation and toxin buildup can get cellulite regardless of weight.
  • Another myth is that only women get cellulite. Though women are more susceptible, a small percentage of men also develop cellulite in the upper body areas like the neck and abdomen. Since, men tend to have more muscle it reduces the appearance of cellulite.
  • The belief that drinking soda and sparkling water causes cellulite is also a myth. There has been no proven link between drinking these types of beverages and cellulite.
  • Cellulite worsens with age but it is a myth that only older women get it. It also occurs very frequently in young women.
  • Another very popular myth is that liposuction can get rid of cellulite. Liposuction can remove the fatty tissues but not always the cellulite. It may only improve the appearance of the cellulite.
 
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