What Causes Cellulite & How to Get Rid of it

Cellulite, or the appearance of dimpled or lumpy skin around the hips, thighs and buttocks has been a cosmetic issue for women since the 1920s, when the term was first applied. Cellulite has a variety of causes, the most predominant of which are diet and genetic predisposition. There is ample evidence that the appearance of cellulite is a natural condition inherent to the aging process and there's no real remedy.

Exercise

• Weight loss combined with exercise can significantly reduce the appearance of cellulite on the body. Cellulite consists of enlarged fat pockets below the skin, coupled with a tightening of the connective tissue between these pockets. Therefore, a reduction in the overall fat content of the body, coupled with exercise targeted at building muscle in the upper legs and buttocks, will aid in tightening the skin and reducing the appearance of cellulite.

Diet

• Diet alone is not effective in reducing the appearance of cellulite. Since diet is only effective in reducing the body's store of fat, it cannot strengthen and tighten the muscles of the legs and buttock. Dieting has proven very effective, however, when coupled with exercise that concentrates on the muscles of the lower body.

Creams

• Creams and other chemical means of eliminating cellulite have time and again been proven to not work effectively. Although such commercial products may tighten the skin covering the cellulite, thereby reducing the appearance of the herniated fat, they do not have the capability to undo the underlying cause.

Physical Treatments

• Physical treatments for cellulite have occasionally been proven effective and include massage therapy, FDA-approved laser treatment, surgery and ultrasonic therapies. The effects of laser treatments and massage therapy are considered temporary and should not be looked upon as a permanent fix for cellulite, but rather a repair method requiring multiple treatments.