Does Coffee Add To Cellulite?

Cellulite is a common cosmetic problem, with 80 percent of women having it to some degree on their hips, thighs and buttocks, according to the Mayo Clinic. Cellulite runs in families and is not completely preventable, but it also has a number of outside causes. Eating plays a role, although plain coffee does not add to cellulite problems.

Definition

Cellulite is made up of fat deposits underneath your skin, making it look dimpled. The dimples appear when the collagen fibers that connect the fat to your skin break down, pull too tight or get stretched out. Fiber damage allows the fat cells to bulge, creating ripples that are visible on the skin's surface. Anyone can have cellulite, regardless of her weight, because all humans have a layer of fat under their skin, according to MedlinePlus.

Causes

Genetics is a primary cellulite cause, but MedlinePlus advises that poor eating habits, yo-yo dieting, a sluggish metabolism, hormone changes and dehydration all play a role. Coffee contains caffeine, which is known for its diuretic effect, but Katherine Zeratsky of the Mayo Clinic advises that you only risk dehydration if you drink more than 4 to 7 cups of the beverage per day. Otherwise its diuretic effects are not enough to dehydrate you badly and put you at risk for cellulite development.

Considerations

Coffee itself does not add to cellulite, but you are more at risk for the condition if you weigh too much. While plain coffee has an inconsequential amount of calories, it becomes fattening if you drink it with cream or other dairy products, sweetener-laced nondairy creamers and sugar. Drink your coffee black or use only low-calorie sweeteners to prevent raising your chances of developing weight-related cellulite from the extra calories.

Prevention

You cannot completely stop cellulite formation, but there are several strategies to lower your risk. Besides drinking coffee without sugar and cream, you should drink plenty of other liquids to keep yourself well hydrated. Keep the rest of your diet healthy, with plenty of fiber, fruits and vegetables, MedlinePlus recommends, and avoid yo-yo dieting. Quit smoking if you smoke cigarettes. Engage in regular physical activity because exercise tones your muscles, reducing cellulite's appearance.

Warning

Many cellulite treatments do not work and may even make you look worse, the Mayo Clinic warns. For example, traditional liposuction shapes your body but does not get rid of cellulite, and often the dimples appear more prominent after a treatment. Laser-assisted liposuction does help because it destroys fat cells and tightens up your skin. Many topical creams are worthless, although products containing retinol do have a positive effect.