Cellulite

Cellulite! The very word makes some women cringe. The truth is, there’s nothing inherently harmful about cellulite; it’s just body fat. What makes cellulite so loathed is its location and appearance. Because cellulite is stored directly under the skin -- typically on the thighs and buttocks -- its small, uneven bundles of fat cells tend to press against the skin’s surface. This creates the cottage-cheese look we all hate.

Cellulite develops mainly in women, who need the extra fat for pregnancy and nursing. Being overweight increases your chances for cellulite, but thin women are susceptible to it, too. (Take that, swimsuit models.) In fact, about 85 percent of women over age 20 have some cellulite.

While there’s no cure for cellulite, here are some ways to improve its appearance.

Shrink it. If you take in fewer calories than you burn, you’ll create a calorie deficit and therefore lose weight and -- with a little luck -- cellulite. Avoid extreme dieting, though, which zaps precious muscle instead of fat. The American Dietetic Association recommends gradual weight loss of 1 to 2 pounds each week.

Burn it. Regular exercise reduces body fat -- including cellulite. A combination of strength training and aerobic exercise helps create a foundation of smooth muscle for your fat to rest on, reducing the chances of dreaded dimpling.

Cream it. Products containing active ingredients such as antioxidants and vasodilators shrink fat cells and loosen the fibrous bands between them, allowing the cells to spread sideways instead of bulging out. Cellulite creams don’t work for everyone, however, and there’s no research comparing the various products on the market. If you don’t see improvement after six to eight weeks, try a different cream, or talk to your dermatologist.

Suction it. Liposuction uses a small vacuum to suck fat from under the skin. This procedure may make cellulite less noticeable, but it won’t permanently eliminate it.

-- Julianne Hill

Published October, 2004 © 2004 Health Publishing, Inc.

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