Often called cottage cheese skin, cellulite is something that virtually everyone experiences at some point in life. Although there are some people who are naturally less prone to cellulite, others have a serious problem. With this, the skin becomes rippled, creating unsightly legs, buttocks, and abdomen primarily although other parts of the body could be affected.
There are many people asking what causes cellulite in anticipation of finding ways to get rid of it. After all, when summertime rolls around and women especially want to wear shorts or swimming suits, the last thing wanted is rippling skin, otherwise known as cellulite. Below, we discuss what cellulite looks like the different types, and what experts theorize causes cellulite.
Understanding Cellulite
In simple terms, cellulite consists of fat deposits that sit beneath the skin. Because these deposits are different sizes and scattered about, they create a rippled or dimpled appearance. Usually, a person will begin to develop cellulite sometime after puberty and while this can affect both men and women, typically women have the greatest problem.
Within the medical sector, cellulite has several formal names to include Gynoid lipodystrophy, Dermopanniculosis deformans, Status protrusus cutis, and Adiposis edematosa. However, among people with cellulite or those trying everything possible to avoid it, this problem is given more unfavorable names such as cottage cheese skin as mentioned but also orange peel syndrome, mattress phenomenon, and hail damage.
Cellulite Classifications
There are actually three classifications for cellulite to include Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3. Shown below are brief descriptions of each.
- Grade 1 – In this case, a person would have no clinical symptoms. In other words, a doctor would not be able to see cellulite upon examination. Instead, fat cells would be examined under a microscope whereby anatomical changes beneath the skin could be detected.
- Grade 2 – For this grade, pastiness would be seen on the skin along with decreased elasticity, lower skin temperature, and using a microscope, some anatomical changes would be noted.
- Grade 3 – The worst of the three grades, skin has noticeable roughness with dimpling.
Cellulite Theories
While cellulite is quite common, the actual cause remains a mystery. However, medical experts do have some theories as to why rippling or dimpling occurs from fat deposits. Following are some of the things that have come out as to what causes cellulite but as mentioned, no firm cause has yet to be identified.
- Genetics – There appears to be some type of genetic link, leading experts to believe that some people may be predisposed to the characteristics associated with this problem. While more research is needed, some studies show that slow metabolism, race, insufficient circulatory system, and fat distribution under the skin are seen in many cases of cellulite.
- Hormonal Factors – It has been shown that hormones have a big role in the development of cellulite but again, more research is needed to fully understand how. It is known that insulin, estrogen, thyroid hormones, noradrenaline, and prolactin have something to do with the production process of cellulite.
- Lifestyle – There is even evidence that a person’s lifestyle could be what causes cellulite. For instance, lack of exercise, tobacco smoke, and even someone who sits or stands for long periods are at greater risk for this dimpling effect of the skin.
- Diet – Another factor as to what causes cellulite is the foods that people consume. In this case, high salt, carbohydrate, and fat content along with low levels of fiber have been shown to be contributors.
- Clothing – Of all reasons a person develops cellulite, this is one of the more interesting. When clothing that is tight across the buttocks is worn, it can restrict blood flow. With this, many medical experts believe cellulite becomes a problem.
Summary
While there is still some question as far as what causes cellulite, everyone can agree that this unsightly condition is something no person wants. Cellulite can be embarrassing and frustrating but anyone struggling should consider that many innovative treatments can be used to reduce or in some cases, eliminate cellulite. Of course, it would be necessary to work with a professional so the appropriate treatment could be determined whereby an individual would achieve the desired results.
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