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What Is Cellulite?

Simply put, cellulite is a term that describes the appearance of a bumpy looking fat on the body. It isn’t an actual disease; rather it is a condition in which the fat cells bulge along with other coexisting factors to cause cellulite to appear. There are times when fat cells expand so much that the collagen fibers around them will bend which results in the puckering appearance on the skin. The body itself has three layers of fat, cellulite is found in the layer of fat that exists closest to the skin. Fat cells are found in pockets that are formed by collagen fibers.

Occasionally the fat cells will squeeze the connective tissues called collagen fibers and as a result there isn’t room for the lymphatic system to drain in order to relieve the build up of fluids, fats and toxins. The fat in this layer of the body doesn’t respond well to exercise or diet. It can also be difficult to perform liposuction in their layer successfully because of the fibrous strands. The accumulation of fat in this cellulite layer can also be caused by hormones.

The next two layers of fat in the body do not have a structure. These fat cells don’t have connective tissue separating them. These layers are also to a degree influenced by genetics. The big difference between the fat in these layers and other parts of the body is that they are easily influenced by lifestyle and dietary changes.

How Cellulite Forms

Many scientific studies have been conducted to show how cellulite forms. However, scientists still aren’t one hundred percent sure how cellulite forms. Research has shown that it is thought an accumulation of swollen fat cells leads to cellulite, since the swollen fat cells can press on the connective fibers around them. When these connective fibers bend and the skin is pulled downward it results in a puckered look on the surface that leads to cellulite.

Another scientific theory involves hormones that each individual male and female produces. This theory helps to show why cellulite doesn’t affect the appearance of the skin until after puberty. It would also explain why women have more problems with cellulite than men, because of the difference and levels of hormones found in the male and female bodies.

However, the condition can also be linked to the amounts and quality of exercise and nutrition in individuals lives. There is a better and reduced level of fatty cells in those with a healthy lifestyle. Although you can’t completely eliminate the condition through just diet and exercise. Rather hereditary factors play an important role in the appearance of peoples skin.