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Cellulite

In our never ending search for the illusive “Fountain of Youth,” nothing strikes a chord like the term “cellulite.” Interestingly, the term “cellulite” was first introduced to us by a fashion magazine. That fact is sufficient to generate speculation among opposing sides to this controversial subject.

What we endeavor to present here is an overview of the facts surrounding “cellulite” with an eye toward education. We make no recommendations nor endorsements as to the efficacy of any products that may be mentioned, nor do we recommend or endorse any particular treatments that we might discuss.

We hope to present the pros and cons of the arguments and allow you to make your own determination and course of action.

It is interesting to note that nearly two decades ago, The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) stated that "there is no medical condition known or described as cellulite in this country.”

Because there is no official medical term for the conditions, does that mean that there can be a “cure?” Apparently so, as evidenced by the thousands of products and procedures available to combat the condition.

What Is Cellulite?

Cellulite is a term that is used to describe fat deposits under the skin that outwardly give the skin a dimpled, or orange-peel like appearance. Cellulite is most often seen in women because the fat is arranged in large chambers separated by columns of collagen fibers.

Fibrous strands of tissue connect your skin to deeper tissue layers, creating compartments of ordinary fat cells. When the fat cells increase in size, the compartments bulge and produce the dimpling appearance on your skin.

In overweight people excess fat is stuffed in these compartments causing them to bulge out. On the surface of the skin the bulging provides the dimply appearance of cellulite, especially in areas such as the hips, buttocks or thighs.

Oddly enough, cellulite is predetermined by genetics so even thin women can develop the appearance. Factors such as hormones, pregnancy, and aging may all attribute to the weakening of the collagen fibers to give the cellulite appearance.

Even people diagonosed as the “morbidly obese” are not necessarily genetically pre-disposed to cellulite and may display no symptoms at all.

It is important to note that even though it is unsightly, cellulite is normal for many women and some men as well. The dimpling appears to be less obvious when the subject has thicker skin which further enforces the genetic predisposition. As the body ages, the skin becomes thinner and there is nothing that can be done for that natural aging process.

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