The Truth About Cellulite

Reader discretion: this is an honest and realistic look at cellulite and the “cures” for it. NO miracle cures will be touted in this article.

SO, cellulite, or more affectionately called “cottage cheese – legs, bum, tummy” (insert body part here), is really just little pockets of fat located just beneath the surface of our skins. We all have this fat (even skinny minnies) but certain factors will lead to a higher propensity of this fat being visible in the form of lumps and bumps – cellulite.

First thing’s first, take a look at your mum and grandma – yes good old genetics is the key cause of cellulite. Our genetics determine our fat distribution and more importantly the thickness of our skin and the structural makeup of our collagen and connective tissue, which holds it all together. And, with all things genetic, there isn’t a whole lot we can do to change it.

Other factors that contribute to cellulite are poor nutrition (preserved and processed foods, foods high in sugar, fat and salt). Speaking of nutrition, yo-yo dieting (trying one fad diet after another, gaining and losing weight) will enhance that cottage cheese look. Others include dehydration, female hormones and decreased metabolism.

For many years and many more dollars, women have been battling these lumpy bumps to no end despite supposed miracle treatments and cures. Well, here’s the skinny on some treatments according to Dr. Melissa Conrad Stoppler:

Miracle creams – have been shown to break down the fat slightly but its topical application is just not enough to make a dent (no pun intended) in the problem.

Miracle wraps – these have shown temporary results, at best, but it’s most likely due to the fact that it helps with hydration. So save mucho dinero and drink your water for free.

Miracle massages and lasers – these exorbitantly priced spa treatments can be painful, are lengthy and require 10 or more treatments to show SOME improvement that is only temporary. They have found the manual manipulation of the fat really just smushes it to a different location but the fat eventually migrates home.

Miracle supplements and injections – BEWARE – there are NONE that are FDA approved. Most doctors will not agree to these treatments for the sake of your health and their insurance.

Now don’t’ lose hope. You can take control to combat this but it’s not going to happen overnight. A good diet rich in fruits, veg and fiber with lots of water will combat that cellulite. Regular exercise will help burn fat weight and also boost your metabolism. For those of you still looking for a cure, there is some hope. A new experimental treatment using the enzyme collagenase (which we have in our bodies) has shown favorable results so far but only in a few women and the long term effects are unknown at this time so stay tuned.