What is Cellulite

Cellulite is a skin condition that affects as many as 90% of women and a small percentage of men as well. Cellulite occurs when connective tissues underneath the skin do not hold in the underlying fat. This results in the unattractive “dimpled” appearance on the skin termed as cellulite. Cellulite often develop around the abdomen, pelvic region, buttocks, and legs.

While there are no harmful side effects to your health from developing cellulite, they may cause some inconvenience for many if they are serious and apparent enough. The unsightly appearance of cellulite can cause self esteem problems for some women. They may want to avoid wearing a swimsuit or any type of clothing where their cellulite would be revealed.

The reason that cellulite affects women much more often than men is because the estrogen in females causes them to naturally store more fat, know as lipids, in their bodies. The storage of the fat is preparation for pregnancy and nursing.

These lipids stored in fat cells are to provide the body with energy and be released when needed. However, toxins and other factors can interfere with the release of lipids and causes the cells they are stored in to swell.

The swelling can cause the enlarged fat cells to group together and push up against the connective tissues underneath the skin. This causes the skin dimples and the "orange peel" texture of cellulite.