Cellulite Woes

If you were to take a sample of the worst cellulite on the planet and put it under a microscope you'd see ordinary, everyday, run-of-the-mill fat. Cellulite is simply regular fat that appears dimpled because of its location close to the skin, where it becomes trapped between the skin's surface and the fibrous connective tissue just beneath it.

More than 85 percent of women (even thin ones) have some visible cellulite or will have it at some point in their lives. Men don't seem to get cellulite as often as women probably because some of it is hormonally driven. Also, women frequently have thinner skin, contributing to the visibility of the trapped fat. Heredity may play a role as well.

One thing that differentiates cellulite from ordinary fat, however, is the anguish people sometimes feel because of it. Many women with cellulite feel unattractive and insecure, and as a result, will spend large amounts of money on worthless treatments in an attempt to get rid of it.

A number of treatments have been touted for removing either the appearance of cellulite or cellulite itself. Endermologie is a pricy French treatment in which massaging rollers are applied to problem areas of the skin in an effort to remove the dimpling. Some people like the results while others have found that the improved appearance is temporary. It doesn't work on everyone. Another treatment called Mesotherapy is gaining popularity. A doctor trained in the method injects blends of vitamins, homeopathic remedies and pharmaceuticals into the mesoderm (middle layer) of the skin. It can also be a costly procedure that has mixed reviews. Although mesotherapy has a lot more studies to support it (most of them conducted in France), no good studies exist regarding endermologie. As for topical treatments, like lotions and creams, which only penetrate the top layer of skin, save your money -- they don't work.

For the majority of people, the best prescription for reducing cellulite is the same for maintaining a low-fat body: Eat a healthy diet and exercise daily. Reducing stress -- which many experts think may aggravate cellulite -- may also help, but certainly won't hurt. So get enough sleep and find ways to put more enjoyment in your life will help lower stress levels. Another cause of cellulite, according to some experts is the buildup of toxins in the body. Avoiding foods laden with chemicals, pesticides and herbicides may help -- but is certainly good advice for your overall health regardless. Making these changes will do more than anything on the market to reduce cellulite, and the best part of this prescription is that if you follow it, you may not care that much about the little bit that's left.