What is Cellulite? Can We Diminish The Effects of Cellulite?

What is cellulite? My favourite term for it is ‘hail damage’, as it looks like we have been caught in a hail storm in our bikinis.

The term cellulite was invented by the French slimming industry earlier this century and describes the dimply appearance of the skin over type II fatty deposits. It is the visible effect on the epidermis of excess fat deposits being stored just below its surface, and can be controlled if one is willing to make the necessary dietary and lifestyle changes. Cellulite is a ripply, unsightly look on the skin resembling cottage cheese, and can be extremely embarrassing. Generally appearing on the hips and thighs, buttocks, abdomen, and sometimes on the upper arms, this condition (non medical) affects women more so than men.

Visible effects of Cellulite This skin condition varies in it’s intensity, sometimes appearing only slightly, but can be quite extreme and is not only suffered by those who are overweight. Many slender women are also graced with ripply thighs.

As females mature through puberty, our bodies form a layer of fat within the innermost layer of skin, called the subcutaneous fat layer. This layer is created with an X patterned structure, and therefore the dimpling effect occurs when too much fat is stored and the deposits of fat begin to bulge.

Many creams, herbal remedies, wraps, pills and therapies are advertised as ‘curing’ the cellulite we carry. However, these are generally marketing gimmicks and will only serve to thin your purse rather than your thighs.

Some salon treatments such as massage may distribute the fatty deposits, however the best method to reduce the amount of cellulite is the same as reducing other quantities of fat in the body. Exercises to target these areas such as walking and cycling, combined with a sound nutritional regime including fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains, protein and reducing the amounts of sodium and saturated fats in our diet will certainly lead us on the correct path to manage the amount of cellulite we carry.

Remember that some fat is necessary for insulation, and also cushioning between some bones and muscles, but excessive amounts can lead to obesity and further health problems.

To reduce the amount of cellulite on your body – Take care with your diet, lifestyle and partake in some form of exercise. And drink plenty of water.



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