Cellulite: Fact and Fiction
While beauty standards continue to evolve, a common fitness goal remains: getting rid of cellulite. The media we consume has told us that cellulite is unsightly and must go. But the truth is, it is extremely common, and for many women, unavoidable. So why do we keep spending our precious time and money trying to get rid of it?
Below are common fallacies about cellulite and the facts to follow.
Fiction: Not many women have it
Fact: Almost every woman has it
Cellulite is so common that it affects up to 90 percent of women and about 10 percent of men.
Fiction: Cellulite is just fat
Fact: It is not just fat, but the structure of the fat, too
Cellulite is far more complicated than just being fat, it is the entire structure of the fat that causes the dimpled appearance. Women’s fat cells and connective tissues are arranged vertically and when fat cells protrude into the layer of skin, it gives the appearance of cellulite. Men’s connective tissue has a criss-cross structure, making it more difficult for fat to protrude into the layer of skin.
Fiction: Cellulite is entirely based on lifestyle
Fact: Genetics play a role in it
Genetic factors can be linked to a person’s distribution of fat under the skin, ethnicity, circulatory levels, and speed of metabolism, which all affect cellulite and cellulite distribution.
Fiction: Losing weight will help you get rid of cellulite
Fact: This depends on your weight
While it is true that you are more likely to have cellulite if you have excess fat, losing weight will not always reduce the appearance of cellulite. If a person’s weight is above their recommended BMI, losing weight may be beneficial to reducing cellulite, but if a person is at their ideal body weight, weight loss will likely not improve the appearance of cellulite.
Fiction: If you work out you do not have cellulite
Fact: Fit women also have it
Daily exercise helps the appearance of cellulite, but only when the exercise focuses on building muscle, so cardio is not the cellulite solution. Exercises like squats, lunges, exercise bands, and resistance training may help cellulite, but it is not a guarantee.
Fiction: There is a cure-all treatment for cellulite
Fact: Most treatments are temporary
Cellulite creams, gadgets, and even surgeries are all over the market. But, many of their effects are just temporary. Lotions and creams, for example, work by tightening the top layer of skin, but after a few hours their effects wear off. Surgeries are often very expensive and will not cure cellulite completely and the effects will wear off eventually.