Cellulite is the dimpling appearance of skin, specifically in the thigh, buttock and hip regions. Cellulite is not a disease, but is caused by the unusual deposit of some fat cells in different layers of the skin. Knowing the difference between fat and cellulite can help you determine how to treat your skin and approach your diet and exercise regimens.
Anatomy of Fat
Body fat, also known as adipose tissue, is the collection of stored energy in the body in the form of adipocytes. This tissue exists in several areas of the body, but specifically in the subcutaneous layer, or beneath the skin layers. Fat plays an important part in the body by providing insulation, padding and protection to the inner organs and storing energy that the body can use later.
Explanation of Cellulite
Cellulite is fat deposited in the connective tissue beneath the skin. In an interview on the website Cellulite Investigation, Bruno Chikly, MD, DO, describes cellulite as fat trapped within fibers. He says that cellulite is fat pockets under the layers of skin that will not disappear, even if normal fat decreases with weight loss. Essentially, the fat cells get trapped beneath the layers of connective tissue, creating peculiar bulges and bumps and causing a dimpling appearance on the surface of the skin. Unlike an excess of normal fat, cellulite does not cause major health issues.
Factors that Influence Cellulite
According to the Meso Laser Clinic website, various factors influence the presence of cellulite. Many of the factors--including genetics, damaged connective tissues, poor circulation and hormonal factors--are uncontrollable. However, poor nutrition and changes in weight usually are controllable.
Cellulite DIfferences in Men and Women
According to the website Drlenkravitz, 90 percent to 98 percent of cellulite cases occur in women. This is because the epidermis and dermis layers surrounding the thigh, buttock and hip regions are thicker in men, so the "dimpled" appearance of cellulite due to the deposition of fat cells in the subcutaneous layer is less common and less detectable in men.
Reducing Cellulite
A common, natural way to reduce fat in the body is through a balanced diet and exercise, including muscle toning and cardio exercises. While a good diet and exercise will not eliminate cellulite, it can reduce cellulite's appearance. Dietary supplements, skin creams containing special chemicals that break down fat stores, massage and laser therapy claim to reduce cellulite, though there is no scientific proof that they do so.
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