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Mayo Clinic Medical Edge: What all of those ads don't tell you about weight loss and cellulite By Dawn Davis, M.D.
The good, the bad, and the ugly
ANSWER: Cellulite -- the appearance of dimpled skin that is sometimes described as having a cottage cheese-like texture -- is common in women and even occurs in some men. It most often appears on the thighs, buttocks or abdomen, but can also be found on the breasts or upper arms. Although having cellulite makes many people feel self-conscious, it's important to know that you're not alone: At least 8 out of 10 women have some amount of cellulite.
The good news is that the condition is nothing to be concerned about medically. Unfortunately, there are no tried-and-true methods for getting rid of cellulite altogether.
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Cellulite can develop or become more noticeable after gaining weight. An increase in fat tissue in certain areas of your body will be the areas most likely to show cellulite. Cellulite also can occur when there is significant friction or rubbing, such as the upper arms or inner thighs.
Cellulite is more common with aging. This is because the skin loses some of its elasticity over time, so the prominence of the existing cellulite becomes more evident. Genetics also may play a role in whether or not you develop cellulite, since it can show up in very lean individuals.
Because cellulite resides in the fatty tissue underneath the skin, any claims that a cream or lotion can eliminate it are just not true. The same goes for products or devices that promise to treat cellulite: There is little or no scientific evidence that supports these claims.
Losing weight and strengthening the muscles in the legs, buttocks and abdomen may make cellulite less noticeable in those areas, but it won't go away altogether. That's because once a fat cell develops, it's yours for life. Weight loss can only shrink the contents of the fat cells, but doesn't eliminate the fat cell itself. Maintaining a healthy weight over your lifetime is the best way to prevent additional cellulite from appearing.
Finally, if you're concerned about the appearance of cellulite, finding ways to creatively cover yourself with the right clothing can go a long way to making you feel less self-conscious about your body.
Living a healthy lifestyle that includes a healthy diet and regular exercise will make you look more toned and, most likely, feel better about your body, regardless of any perceived flaws. -- Dawn Davis, M.D., Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.
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© 2012, MAYO FOUNDATION FOR MEDICAL EDUCATION AND RESEARCH. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
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