Cellulite Myths Busted

Cellulite Myths Busted

What is cellulite? What causes cellulite? How can it be prevented? How can it be cured? The curiosity does not end just here. Cellulite has for years been a topic of both medical and personal discussions. Since it affects a large number of women, primarily due to hormonal and genetic reasons, there is a lot of concern and intrigue regarding cellulite. Due to the revolting and repulsive appearance it lends the skin, women (and even men) fear cellulite. And fear, as we know, can spawn myths. True to its worth, people all around the globe harbor certain myths about cellulite, all thanks to the paranoia associated with it.

Well, its time to bust those myths

Cellulite is fat

For the record, cellulite is not fat; it is simply a form of fat that is malformed and trapped under the subcutaneous layer of the skin. Also unlike normal fat which can be burned by healthy diet and regular exercise, cellulite is more stubborn to such measures, since it is trapped in mesh-like fibrous connective tissues that cannot be dissolved so easily.

Only obese people can have cellulite

This again stems from the earlier myth that cellulite is synonymous to fat. To get the fact right once again, since cellulite is just a form of fat, it is not just obese people who are at a risk. Even skinny people have a good chance of incurring cellulite.

Cellulite affects only thighs and buttocks

Though these are the commonest areas affected by cellulite formations, there are other parts of the body that can get affected as well. So, while most people have cellulite in thighs and buttocks only, cases where arms, stomach and back have been affected are not unheard of either.

Only women have cellulite

It is true that cellulite affects women mostly since it is often caused by the erratic activities of the female hormone estrogen in the body, especially during pregnancy and post-menopause phase. However, even men have reported to suffer from cellulite. In fact the form of cellulite present in thighs affects women and men equally.

There is no way to get rid of cellulite

Though it is difficult to absolve your body off cellulite, it is not impossible as such. There are a few natural ways as well as surgical ways in which cellulite can be effectively treated. Natural ways include massage therapy, cream applications and surgical methods include liposuction treatment. However, keep surgical liposuction treatment as a last resort procedure, since there are purported side effects and potential health risks with such operations.

Dieting and exercise can get rid of cellulite

In reality, dieting and exercise can burn fats, which can at most reduce the appearance of cellulite. It however cannot cure the problem.

Water cures cellulite

As the myth goes, drinking excessive water can cure cellulite. But actually, water only helps in flushing out toxins which aid in cellulite formation.

Veronica Davis is a freelance writer. She writes about an array of beauty and health topics, to include help for cellulite and other annoying problems women tend to face.