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What Is Cellulite?

How to get rid of cellulite is a topic that concerns many women. Cellulite is fatty tissue under the skin and is more common in women than in men. Cellulite affects 90% of post adolescent women. Body cellulite causes dimples of fat deposits to show up under the skin. These dimples are seen most often around the waist, the thighs and buttocks, and the Helbig region. They often creep up after puberty. Cellulite is often referred as orange peels syndrome or cottage cheese skin.

Although it affects 90% of women, it is seldom seen on men. Cellulite is classified in three grades. Grade one is the least severe showing barely noticeable symptoms, but there is still a microscopic change in the fat cells. Grade two is skin that shows some pallor and decreased elasticity in addition to the change in the fat cells. Grade three cellulite in women has in addition to grade 2 symptoms visible roughness of the skin. Hence the orange peel bumpiness.

There are various causes of cellulite. It is believed that because women have particular types of fat and connective tissue that the risk of cellulite is greater than in men. There are numerous factors that may cause cellulite to manifest itself such as hormonal make up, genetics, and lifestyle. Smokers and women who don't exercise are more susceptible.

Even clothing may contribute to cellulite formation. Women have discovered that underwear with tight elastic bands may inhibit blood flow to the area. A diet rich in fat, carbohydrates, or salt has greater amounts of cellulite. In addition, estrogen, insulin,thyroid hormones,and prolactin are all guilty of fostering cellulite production in the female body.

One would expect cellulite to be most prevalent among obese or overweight women. This is not the case. Cellulite occurs just as frequently to thin women as it does to overweight women. Cellulite does tend to increase during times of hormonal changes such as puberty, pregnancy, menopause, and premenstrual syndrome. These are times when exercise acts as an anticellulite.

Unfortunately cellulite tends to form even with a well-balanced diet and regular exercise. But an unhealthy lifestyle will worsen the situation. Lack of exercise and poor diet results in poor circulation and water retention which stimulate the cellulite formation. Also, as the skin loses its thickness with age, it makes the cellulite more noticeable even though the level of cellulite remains the same.

Liposuction or cellulite laser which are surgical procedures to reduce cellulite do not always work completely. Naturally, a medical professional should always be consulted before deciding to go ahead with this procedure.

The lymphatic system stimulates cellulite formation. When the flow of blood to the lymphatic system is slowed, circulation relies a great deal on gravity. This stagnation encourages the build up of cellulite. Furthermore, cell degeneration makes the body susceptible to diseases and a person to feel fatigued. Proper lymphatic drainage should be of concern to both men and women. It improves health and vitality, and for women reduces the stimulation of cellulite. One simple trick to reducing cellulite is to drink plenty of water.

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Considering that cellulite is not a “fat” problem, it does not respond to diets or weight-control measures. It is unfortunately an aging problem. It is best to anticipate this condition to prevent or reduce its effects in later life. Some women because of their estrogen levels from genetic factors are more prone to cellulite formation and it is not a matter of hormonal balance.

Once the appearance of cellulite manifests itself, to halt the progression and to improve one's appearance women should analyze their lifestyle choices, exercise levels, and diets to improve their chances of looking trim and youthful.

Always consult with your doctor or a certified professional trainer before undertaking any exercises, treatments, or dietary supplements.

You can see the complete index of cellulite articles at the Cellulite Reduction index.

Other wiki resources:  cellulite; cellulitis; cellulite treatments; liposuction; lipodissolve