Can we get rid of CELLULITE?
Updated: Jan 30, 2022
Close to 85% - 98% of women suffer from cellulite. Typically, obese women above the age of 21 suffer the most. Some men, too, suffer from cellulite. Cellulite is considered unappealing. Although not harmful to health, most people would like to get rid of it. However, it is entirely normal and natural to have cellulite. Obesity increases the probability of cellulite occurrence, but that does not mean thin individuals won’t be affected. Cellulite makes the skin appear lumpy or dimpled. Unfortunately, it is considered ugly and abnormal by global standards of beauty. So, let us look at what cellulite is, what causes cellulite, and if it is possible to get rid of cellulite.
What is CELLULITE?
Cellulite is nothing but fat deposition beneath the skin. Typically occurring in women aged 21 and above, and mainly around the thighs, cellulite makes the skin appear uneven, nodular and dimpled. It occurs on thighs because thighs have much adipose tissue, commonly known as fat. Cellulite occurs when the fatty tissue pushes the connective tissue. Like deep scars, cellulite is not harmful to health and is quite common. Some men taking estrogen hormone treatments also have cellulite. Getting rid of cellulite has more psychological reasons than anything else in almost all cases.
What CAUSES CELLULITE?
Several reasons can cause cellulite. Some of the most prominent ones are as follows:
#1 CHRONIC STRESS:
Chronic stress causes an increase in a neurotransmitter called catecholamines. These neurotransmitters may cause the development of cellulite. In addition, chronic stress causes several lifestyle-related diseases.
Here is an interesting article on handling stress: 10 tips to manage stress.
#2 GENETIC FACTORS:
If your family has a history of developing cellulite, there are high chances it passes to the next generations. Unfortunately, it is not possible to control this factor.
#3 OBESITY:
Thin people can also have cellulite. However, obesity increases the susceptibility to develop cellulite. It is worth noting that the underlying problem causing cellulite may be the structure of fat rather than the fat itself.
#4 HORMONAL FACTORS:
The exact role of hormones in influencing cellulite formation is primarily not known. However, there is some evidence that hormones such as insulin and estrogen, which play an essential role in fat gain, may start or accelerate cellulite formation. Women who are suffering from hormonal imbalance notice cellulite formation too. Typically, women reaching menopause or pregnant women are affected the most, and that is because of hormonal imbalances.
#5 POOR LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE:
Lymphatic drainage moves fat and reduces toxins. Therefore, a poorly functioning lymphatic system could cause swollen fat cells and trigger cellulite formation.
#6 POOR BLOOD CIRCULATION:
Poor blood circulation makes it difficult for the nutrients and oxygenated blood to reach all body areas. As a result, collagen production is affected, and swollen fat cells begin protruding. However, several reasons can cause poor blood circulation, and it is crucial to find out the same.
Cellulite does not pose any health risk and does not require any treatment.
Is it possible to GET RID of CELLULITE?
It may not be possible to get rid of cellulite completely. However, some techniques can reduce the appearance of cellulite:
#1 STRENGTH TRAINING:
Regular strength training helps build muscle and reduce fat. It promotes healthy ageing, keeps bone density, corrects the hormonal imbalance and maintains normal bodily functions. Strength training reduces the appearance of cellulite by building muscle and tightening the skin. In addition, compound exercises like unsupported squats, step-ups, lunges, deadlifts etc., work wonders for reducing cellulite appearance.
#2 FAT LOSS:
Anyone of any weight can get cellulite. However, losing fat reduces the appearance of cellulite. Exercise, eat clean, get enough sleep, and find time for yourself to relax. Have a comprehensive 360-degree approach to a fat loss program.
#3 Supplementing with COLLAGEN PEPTIDES:
Premature evidence suggests that bioactive collagen peptides may help reduce the appearance of cellulite. For example, a study conducted in 2015 found that participants who consumed bioactive collagen peptide supplements for 6 months saw a decrease in cellulite on the thigh area.
#4 HYDRATION:
Water helps with blood circulation and optimises lymphatic flow. Good blood circulation and lymphatic flow help control cellulite. Avoid getting dehydrated.
#5 MASSAGE:
Massaging the cellulite affected area promotes blood flow and lymphatic drainage. It helps reduce the appearance of cellulite. However, it works only if the underlying cause of cellulite is poor lymphatic drainage or poor blood circulation.
#6 AVOID SMOKING:
Smoking severely affects blood circulation. Each time we smoke, the blood supply to the skin is affected. In addition, smoking promotes wrinkles and makes cellulite more prominent.
Dermatologists or plastic surgeons can perform some expensive cosmetic procedures to reduce cellulite. They are as follows:
#1 CRYO LIPOLYSIS:
Cryo lipolysis is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure that involves freezing the lipids in fat cells to kill them. Typically, it takes multiple sessions over a 3-to-4-month period to notice results.
#2 LASER and RADIOFREQUENCY:
Laser and radiofrequency are non-surgical treatments that offer temporary results lasting 4 to 6 months. However, like cryo lipolysis, these also need several sessions before showing results.
#3 LASER-ASSISTED LIPOSUCTION:
Laser-assisted liposuction by itself won’t remove cellulite. However, it reduces cellulite appearance by removing fat tissue and tightening the skin. However, more research is needed to prove its efficiency.
Key takeaways:
Cellulite is a widespread condition that is more prevalent in women than in men. For example, 85% to 98% of women are affected by cellulite.
Cellulite makes the skin appear uneven, nodular and dimpled. However, it does not pose a health risk and requires no treatment.
Cellulite occurs when the fatty tissue pushes the connective tissue.
Factors within our control and beyond our control can cause cellulite. For example, Genetics, hormonal imbalance, obesity, chronic stress, poor lymphatic drainage and poor blood circulation can cause cellulite formation.
It may not be possible to get rid of cellulite completely. However, it is possible to reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Strength training, fat loss, supplementing with collagen peptides, ensuring hydration, massage and avoiding smoking may help in reducing the appearance of cellulite.
Cosmetic procedures like cryo lipolysis, laser, radiofrequency and laser-assisted liposuction are expensive and do not offer a permanent solution.
We hope the article helped understand if we can get rid of cellulite.
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