Cellulite 101

What is Cellulite?

It is the common term referred to describe fat that is found in the subdermal or subcutaneous layer of the skin. It results in a dimpled, orange peel or cottage cheese like appearance in the buttocks, hips, thighs and stomach area.
Underneath the epidermis and dermis are three fat layers.
Cellulite develops in the most superficial of these layers, known as hypodermis or subcutaneous fat layer.
This layer is structurally unique from the others because its fat lobes are organized into chambers by surrounding strands of connective tissue
Hormones, not exercise and diet, primarily regulate fat storage and metabolism in the subcutaneous fat layer.
Deeper below this layer we find what is termed reserve fat (also known as superficial reserve, sometimes, normal deep fat)
Reserve fat is directly impacted by diet, exercise and certainly liposuction.

Why do thin women have Cellulite?

Why does Cellulite form?

It forms as a result of complex physiological changes to the subcutaneous fat layer.
It forms no matter how regularly a person exercises.
It forms no matter how well balanced a diet may be.
If you do not have a healthy lifestyle the overall appearance of existing cellulite can worsen over time with weight gain, poor nutrition and inadequate water intake

How does weight gain contribute to excess cellulite?

Any layer of excess reserve fat takes on its own shape as it lies on top of muscle.
It can push up against the subcu layer, which heightens the appearance of cellulite.
Many who lose weight may notice a reduction in the appearance of the cellulite as the pounds come off, but it is still there. The appearance is simply not enhanced by the presence of excess fat.

What are some of the other causes of cellulite?

Fat cells swell due to fat storage
Toxic accumulation in the tissues
Fluid retention and poor hydration
Hormones are responsible for regulating changes in blood flow, lymphatic drainage, fat and connective tissue which is why cellulite develops during times of hormonal change
Stiff and thick fibers surround the fat cells, impeding blood flow

Is Cellulite a female thing only?

Men can have trapped fat within the hypodermal layer as well.
The connective fibers that thicken and become more rigid do not run vertically as they do in women. It is in a diagonal web like manner.
The dimpled affect is not as apparent in men as it is in women.
For men this shows up as love handles, around the pectoral area, and often times at the top of the buttocks along the hip line.