Cellulite is a common term used to describe superficial pockets of trapped fat, which cause uneven dimpling or "orange peel" skin. It appears in 90% of post-adolescent women and is rarely seen in men. Contrary to popular belief, cellulite is not related to obesity, since it occurs in overweight, normal, and thin women as well.



Cellulite develops in the most superficial of the three fat layers below the skin, known as the hypodermis or subcutaneous fat layer. It is structurally unique because its fat lobes are organized into chambers by surrounding strands of connective tissue. Hormones, not exercise and diet, primarily regulate fat storage and metabolism in the subcutaneous fat layer.

The fat cells in the other two layers are dispersed in a loose network. Fat storage and metabolism in these two layers is predicted by genetics and influenced by the two basic elements of lifestyle - diet and exercise. These layers are not responsible for the formation of cellulite.

Medically, cellulite is know as "Edematous-fibrosclerotic panniculopathy". In layman's term, cellulite is a combination of fat globules, waste matter, and water imprisoned in connective tissue. As a result, a bumpy or dimpled appearance of the skin occurs. Common but not exclusive areas where cellulite is found, are the thighs, buttocks, and the abdomen.

6 key causes contribute to the occurrence of cellulite:-

Hormones

Hormonal factors play a big role in cellulite formation as cellulite develops mainly in women during periods of hormonal changes such as puberty, pregnancy menopause, premenstrual syndrome and the initial months on birth control pills. Hormones are responsible for regulating the changes in blood flow, lymphatic drainage, fat, and connective tissue, all of which play a role in the formation of cellulite.

Diet

Poor eating habits e.g. Too much salts and spices and processed food causes toxins to be trapped in the fatty tissue. Too much caffeine and cigarettes constrict blood vessels, making cellulite more prominent. Insufficient intake of water causes your body to signal more retention of water for survival, again leading to cellulite problems.

Exercise

Despite attempts to exercise regularly and maintain a well balanced diet, cellulite could still form as a result of complex changes to the subcutaneous fat layer. However, without a healthy lifestyle, overall appearance of existing cellulite can worsen over time due to weight gain poor nutrition and inadequate water intake.

Age

Aging results in a loss of thickness and tone of the connective tissue within the dermis and the superficial fat layer. The outcome is a more visible and flabby cellulite.

Tension & stress

Tension and stress can cause a muscle and the connective tissue that covers that muscle to seize up. Tension also blocks the tissue, preventing proper waste elimination and purification.

Medication

Medication, especially on a prolong basis disturbs the body's natural processes and the purification system that is naturally in place, leading to the formation of cellulite. Medication can weaken the connective tissue, hence resulting in the lymph nodes not being able to transport waste away properly. As a result, cellulite forms.

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