Dealing with cellulite!

Are dimpled, bumpy thighs the sight in your mirror? Women are more prone to cellulite than men. Despite eating healthy diets and exercising regularly, many women will experience cellulite storage.

Appearance: Cellulite appears as dimpled or puckered skin and usually occurs on the thighs, hips and buttocks.

Causes: Accumulated fat beneath the skin causes cellulite. Fibrous cords secure the skin to the underlying muscle. As fat builds up and pushes up against the skin surface, the cords pull the skin down toward the muscle layer, creating a dimpled surface.

Risk Factors: Weight gain is the most common risk factor for the cellulite, although it can also occur in people who are not overweight. Aging reduces skin elasticity, making cellulite more noticeable. Lack of exercise and a family predisposition increase a person's chance of developing cellulite.

Treatment: Cellulite poses no medical complications and may require treatment only for cosmetic reasons. Weight loss combined with leg exercises may reduce the appearance of cellulite. Weight loss without exercise and liposuction has little effect. Laser or radiofrequency treatments reduce cellulite but must be repeated every six months. Massage and creams show no benefit.
Prevention: Cellulite cannot be prevented. Maintaining a healthy weight, following a healthy diet and regular exercise are the only preventives.