Cellulite
Cellulite appears in 90% of post-adolescent women and is rarely seen in men. Cellulite can be first seen during puberty as women's hormones change. Why do women get cellulite and not men? The female hormone estrogen (oestrogen) is the key hormone involved in the formation of cellulite. As a result, 90% of women get cellulite and only 10% of men. Men can develop cellulite due to hormone imbalances (androgen deficiency). Also the subcutaneous layer (hypodermis), where cellulite develops, is structurally different in women and permits more fat storage. Common areas where cellulite is found are the thighs, buttocks and the abdomen - although cellulite can be found on any area of the body. Fat cells have beta-adrenergic receptors that when stimulated cause fat to break down and alpha-2 adrenergic receptors that inhibit fat break down and promote fat storage. Cellulite prone areas such as the buttocks and thigh have fat cells with the highest number of alpha-2 receptors. Therefore fat cells increase in size contributing to the formation of cellulite and increased fat storage in these areas. Cellulite is NOT related to obesity, as both overweight and very thin people have cellulite. Also cellulite is not always reduced by weight loss. The epidermis and the dermis make up the two top layers of the skin. Underneath exists 3 fat layers. It is the top layer of fat where cellulite develops called the subcutaneous layer (also known as the hypodermis). It is hormones and NOT exercise or diet that primarily regulate fat storage and metabolism in the subcutaneous layer where cellulite develops. The fat cells in the other 2 layers are not responsible for the formation of cellulite. Here fat cells are dispersed in a loose network. Fat storage and metabolism in these deeper layers is determined by genetics plus diet and exercise.
Can diet and exercise eliminate cellulite? No, diet and exercise alone can not rid you of cellulite. Cellulite formation is due to hormones. However, an inadequate diet and not enough exercise tend to worsen the appearance of cellulite. Nowadays, many people live a sedentary lifestyle and feed on fast food. Having a good diet and being active has endless health benefits. How Cellulite Develops Hormones can influence any of these steps Poor blood/ lymph Circulation ↓ Build up of highly damaging free radicals in the tissues beneath the skin ↓ Weaker circulation to these areas ↓ Growth of thick fibers ↓ Fat cannot be reabsorbed into the blood and causes it to swell with excess fluids ↓ Results in stretching and manipulation of connective tissues, leaving a lumpy irregular appearance
Causes of Cellulite Slow Lymphatic Circulation A deficient lymphatic circulation is a big contributor to the formation of cellulite. The lymph system removes wastes and toxins from all tissues in the body. The heart does not regulate the lymphatic system. Its flow depends on all muscle contractions that act like a pump. Alterations to blood and lymphatic flow to the subcutaneous layers eventually causes fibrosclerosis (hardening) of its connective tissues. It is the alteration of the subcutaneous layer caused by fibrosis of the connective tissue that gives the cellulite appearance of the skin. Also collagen fibers are formed around fat cells forming micro nodules. There can also be other forms of connective tissue and interstitial damage caused by a deficient lymphatic system in cellulite areas such as lipedema, lymphedema and lipodystrophy. These disorders are often associated with the buttocks and calves of women. Cellulite can be a symptom of lipolymphedema. Connective Tissue Abnormalities The structure and function of the connective tissue in the skin can be weakened by hormones and vascular changes. Excess Fat Fat cells in the subcutaneous layer are held in chambers. When these chambers are full then fat bulges out from these compartments and protrude up into the dermis giving rise to bumps and lumps. Also because fat cells produce estrogen, the more fat cells you have the more estrogen is produced. Estrogen causes cellulite. Why does cellulite worsen with age? Human Growth Hormone (HGH) levels begin a long decline after the age of 30. HGH is the body's messenger for repair and maintenance. It is needed to initiate collagen and elastin growth in the skin. | 
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