Can You Get Cellulite From Gaining Weight Fast?

Cellulite is a touchy subject for men and women alike. As your lifestyle, diet and weight change you may notice that your body begins storing fat in the hips and thighs. Rapid weight gain in these areas may lead to the appearance of cellulite. But take refuge in the fact that a change in diet and added exercise can help you help lose and reduce cellulite.

Cellulite

Cellulite is fat that is located directly under the skin that becomes apparent. Since this type of fat is locate so close to the surface of the skin it gives a dimpled appearance. Cellulite occurs around the hips, thighs and buttock region.

Causes

Cellulite is affected by more than just diet and weight. In fact, cellulite may be influenced by hormonal changes and genetics. Certain genes are required for the development of cellulite that not everyone has. These genes may predispose you to certain characteristics such as slow metabolism, distribution of fat just underneath the skin and circulatory insufficiency, which are all "risk factors" for cellulite. Even certain clothing may contribute to visible cellulite. Underwear that fits too tightly across the hips may contribute to the formation of cellulite, since it restricts blood flow.

Fat Cells

The number of fat cells a person has becomes set by then end of puberty. So even if you gain a lot of weight, the number of fat cells you have does not change, but the size of those fat cells do.

Weight Gain

Cellulite is not necessarily related to weight; in fact, even thin people can have cellulite. However, if you gain bad weight quickly, your fat cells will enlarge, which will create more tension on the collagen fibers surrounding the fat cells. Since the fat in these areas is located directly underneath the skin, if the collagen fibers that connect the fat to the skin stretch or break, the fat will become visible through the skin.

Solutions

Changing your diet and getting your weight under control will help you reduce the appearance of cellulite. The University of Maryland Medical Center advises that to avoid cellulite or reduce it you should eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber, stay hydrated and exercise regularly to keep muscle toned. Avoid yo-yo dieting and don't smoke.