Cellulite: We all know that word and we all dread the day we will look in the mirror to find unsightly dimples where we once had smooth thighs. And while we all know that cellulite is a bad thing, many people have no idea what cellulite really is. Let’s take a look at some cellulite facts and discuss some of the best known ways to prevent it, get rid of it, and keep it off forever.
The sad truth is that 90 to 95 percent of women ages 18 and older will develop some degree of cellulite at some place on their body during their lifetime. The development of cellulite has nothing to do with weight. Heavy and thin women alike can, and very likely will, suffer with it at some point. Why? Because cellulite is fat, and even extremely lean women have at least some percentage of body fat.
Underneath your skin are three layers of fat. The second layer of fat is called subcutaneous fat. This type of fat is "compartmentalized," a factor that makes it unique in form and different from fat that is stored in other areas of the body. When excess fat begins to accumulate in this subcutaneous layer, your skin begins to look dimpled, and thus, cellulite (the pockets of trapped fat) is born.
There are lots of factors that can contribute to the formation of cellulite under the skin. Hormones play a major role in fat storage, as does metabolic rate. Because metabolism and hormones play a major role in the body’s lymphatic drainage, cellulite is often found in women during life phases wherein hormone levels and metabolic rate make constant changes. For example, women of child bearing age who are pregnant, have recently had a child, are taking birth control pills, or have reached menopausal age.
The good news is that you don’t have to live the rest of your life with unsightly cellulite on your legs, buttocks, and thighs. There is a wide range of products that have been designed to help reduce the appearance of cellulite. These products typically contain ingredients that are specially formulated to plump the connective tissues in the skin, thus creating a smooth appearance. Still other cellulite treatment products are formulated to shrink fat cells by eliminating excess fluid.
And while many of these products are successful and true to their claims, they work best in conjunction with proper nutrition and exercise. After all, cellulite is fat…so burning fat will help you to burn cellulite.
