Doc Talk: Weight, inactivity not only culprits causing cellulite
Ladies, it’s not your fault!
Do you have puckered dimples on your hips, thighs and/ or buttocks? These dimples are cellulite and have plagued women for years; even thin athletic women suffer from these pesky dimples.
Many people have misconceptions about cellulite and think the rippling effect is caused by being fat or inactive. While these things may contribute to cellulite, the real culprit is the connective tissue bands between the skin and the fat cells. Cellulite occurs when fat cells push into the skin’s middle layer and pull on fibrous connective tissue, creating the appearance of dimpling. Because fat is not the cause, topical creams and liposuction will not eliminate these dimples.
Myths about cellulite
Myth: Only overweight people have cellulite
False. Cellulite affects 90 percent of women to some degree, regardless of weight. It is routinely genetic in nature and not necessarily associated with weight gain.
Myth: Cellulite is excess fat
Cellulite is associated with fat cells, but the real issue is the fibrous tissue bands that attach to the dermis; they lie between the fat cells and the skin. How prominent cellulite appears depends on the skin’s natural thickness and the pliability of the connective tissues.
Myth: If you lose weight, cellulite will disappear
Losing weight too quickly will make your skin sag more and make cellulite more visible. Cellulite will not “disappear” but slow weight loss combined with strength training can improve muscle and skin tone and diminish the appearance of cellulite.
Myth: Rigorous cardio exercise will “burn off” cellulite.
Cardiovascular exercise will burn calories and ultimately fat, but it will not burn cellulite.
Myth: Cellulite can’t be prevented or treated.
Because genetics play a big part in the amount of cellulite you have, some women think there is nothing they can do to prevent it. However, eating low fat, high-fiber foods, replenishing your body with vitamins and exercising regularly can all help decrease the appearance of cellulite.
Additional ways to minimize cellulite:
In the end, the important thing is to remember that cellulite is nothing to be ashamed about. Most women – even ultra-thin models – are not dimple-free. The best advice I can give women is to accept and love your bodies as they are – and that includes taking care of your body. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle of proper nutrition and exercise, including cardio and strength training, will improve your health and naturally help your body look its best.
This story was originally published September 3, 2013 at 6:22 AM with the headline "Doc Talk: Weight, inactivity not only culprits causing cellulite."