Does Losing Weight Get Rid Of Cellulite?

Approximately 80 percent of women have at least a little cellulite, according to the Mayo Clinic. Nobody wants this type of fat, since it results in bumpy-looking, unattractive skin. However, it can be difficult to get rid of cellulite or even improve its appearance.

Features

Cellulite occurs when fat cells push up against the skin and down against the connective tissues that hold the skin to the muscle below, causing the bumpy appearance recognized as cellulite. It is most common in women, and typically occurs in the lower body. Cellulite becomes more visible when you gain weight.

Effects

Because cellulite is a type of fat, losing weight can help to reduce its appearance. When you have less fat in the areas where you have cellulite, it doesn't push as much against the skin and connective tissue, so the cellulite doesn't stand out as much. How much the appearance changes depends on how much fat you lose in the areas with cellulite, which isn't something that you can control.

Considerations

Although in most individuals losing weight reduces the appearance of cellulite, in about a third of women, the cellulite might become even more visible, according to a 2006 study by L.K. Smalls et al., published in the journal "Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery." For these women, it is necessary to lose even more fat to reduce the amount of cellulite.

Prevention/Solution

The study noted in "Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery" used women who did not exercise. "Shape" magazine's website recommends doing both cardiovascular and strength-training exercises to lessen the appearance of cellulite. The cardio will increase fat loss, and the strength training will increase your body's muscle-to-fat ratio.

Expert Insight

Losing weight is one of the best ways to improve the appearance of cellulite, though it is unlikely to get rid of it totally, the Mayo Clinic reports. Making the muscles in your legs stronger and losing fat works better than other potential treatments. However, those who want to try something further should consider lasers and radiofrequency systems, which can reduce the appearance of cellulite and whose results can last up to six months.