Most women, and some men, encounter cellulite at some point in their lives. According to Alan Gold, MD, president of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, cellulite is most often found around the hips, buttocks and thigh areas and relates to genetics, hormones, poor circulation and weight gain. While cosmetic anti-cellulite treatments may ameliorate cellulite, this effect is usually temporary, and as of 2010, there is no known cure for cellulite. Certain simple guidelines may help you reduce the appearance of your cellulite.
Step 1
Lose weight. Bottom line, cellulite is fat. Losing weight will help you lose fat, and in turn, this will lessen the severity of your cellulite. Reduce your portion sizes, add more fiber to your diet and reduce your intake of saturated and trans fat.
Step 2
Exercise. Cardiovascular exercise helps improve circulation, and one of the main contributors to cellulite is poor circulation, says Gold. Exercise has the added benefit of burning additional calories, which will in turn help you lose fat.
Step 3
Quit smoking if you smoke cigarettes. Aside from numerous other health problems attributed to nicotine, according to RealAge.com, cigarette smoking also contributes to cellulite deposits.
Step 4
Avoid yo-yo dieting, or weight cycling. Keeping your body weight stable, according to RealAge.com, helps minimize cellulite onset.
Tips and Warnings
- A 2008 study published by Robert Gotkin, MD, in the "Aesthetic Surgery Journal" showed that a combination of laser treatment and fat transplantation may offer a cure for cellulite. The study followed 52 women with severe cases of cellulite. The study authors used a laser to break down fat cells and then transplanted fat into the fat-depleted areas to produce a smoothing effect. After three years, nearly 85 percent of the study participants rated their results as excellent. Speak to your doctor or health care professional if you would like to consider a more invasive approach to cellulite.
- Cellulite is not considered an indication of poor health, according to Real Age, as even those of normal body weight may get cellulite. Cellulite treatments tend to be pricey, and their claims to cure cellulite are little more than marketing. Buyer beware.
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