If you are looking to improve your fitness, health or appearance you may find yourself wanting to reduce your cellulite. Cellulite can show up almost anywhere on the body but can be really troublesome if you have a lot of it or it appears on your legs and butt. While most people seem to know the benefits and effects of weight loss, cellulite reduction is one positive side effect of getting to a healthier weight.
The Facts
Cellulite appears as dimpled skin because of how it develops. It is not a special type of tissue or fat, it is simply excess body fat. As body fat levels in your body increase the fat cells group together. Most people notice excess fat and cellulite in their thighs, butt, arms and stomach. According to Mayoclinic.com, cellulite develops when fat accumulates between connective tissue cords; as the fat bulges upwards the cords pull down to create a bumpy and uneven area on your skin.
Significance
Having cellulite can be a sign of poor physical health because cellulite is a result of excess body fat. Excess body fat and weight can be detrimental to your overall health, decrease your physical performance and increase your chances for developing chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. The appearance of cellulite may even impact your emotional health. It may make you uncomfortable wearing summer attire, beach clothing or in front of others who may notice your dimpled skin.
Potential
Losing weight with a balanced, nutritious meal plan and a well-rounded fitness program can help to reduce cellulite. Strength training can be done two to four times a week for your entire body to build lean muscle tissue. Cardiovascular exercise can be done five to seven days a week to burn calories and fat. Together these types of exercise will improve your body composition, give you a more toned appearance and help to increase your metabolism.
Considerations
It is likely that you will always have some amount of cellulite on your body. Consider the composition of cellulite; your body will always have fat tissue and connective fibers. While you can decrease cellulite through a healthier lifestyle it may be impossible to completely get rid of it. If you find that weight loss does not help decrease your cellulite you can consult your doctor about surgical and medical methods. Your doctor can discuss risks, outcomes and the cost associated with liposuction, endermologie (medical massage) and laser methods for cellulite reduction.
Expert Insight
Medical and health professionals support weight loss as the number one method for reducing cellulite. According to Mayoclinic.com, weight loss through diet and consistent exercise is the most beneficial method for treating cellulite. The American Council on Exercise recommends eating a healthy diet, daily cardio exercise and two to three weight training sessions a week to reduce your cellulite.
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