What Causes Cellulite on Legs and Thighs

Cellulite is a combination of toxins and fat that accumulate in the body.  Hormones can play a part in the appearance and can exacerbate the condition.  It makes the skin appear lumpy, hence the term cottage cheese thighs.  This occurs because the fatty deposits under the skin begin pushing toward the surface.

Cellulite is a term that can cause a shudder in even the toughest soul. Cellulite is that orange peel texture, the dimpling, on skin.  Most common on the hips, thighs and buttocks of women, these deposits of fatty and fibrous tissue can strike any part of the body and is not confined to just one gender.  Men can get cellulite too, although it is more common in women.

causes for cellulite

While it is most often associated with overweight women, in truth, it can affect both men and women who are any body type, weight and size.  Roughly 85-98% of adult females, though, do display some degree of cellulite.  Interestingly, it is also more prevalent in Caucasian females than in Asian females.  Many experts believe that this is an indication that diet may play a role in the production and appearance in cellulite deposits, even though weight management does not seem to have a significant impact on the condition.

While the most common occurrences are seen in heavier body types and statistics support this, it is not uncommon to see the condition in lighter weight and finer framed women as well.  But, this disorder even presents in males, although it is not usual or reported nearly as often as in women.

Cellulite Causes

 
Cellulite is caused by distribution of fat under the skin. It usually affects the buttocks, thighs, and legs but can also occur in other areas. Cellulite appears to be caused by an interaction between the connective tissue in the dermatological layer beneath the skin's surface and the fat layer just beneath it.

This layer's fat cells and connective tissue are arranged vertically in women. Cellulite appears when fat cells protrude into the layer of skin beneath the skin. Men's tissue has a crisscross structure, which may explain why they have less cellulite than women.

Other factors appear to be linked to the likelihood of having cellulite:


1.  Pre existing hereditary makeup

Because it tends to run in families, genetics may play the most important role in whether you develop cellulite. The propensity to develop cellulite seems to originate from one or both parents or even family members further down the genetic line.  Most common, though is that if the parents developed cellulite, the child may have a tendency to develop the condition post puberty.

According to the dermatologist, while individual dimples may disappear, if you are predisposed to cellulite, your body will simply produce more.

2.  Dehydration

It is another important reason for sudden increase in cellulite on legs, thighs and stomach. The most vital fluid that the human body needs is water.  A form of dehydration occurs when the body does not have adequate water intake. Inadequate water intake can result in toxic buildup in fat cells, making it difficult for the body to metabolize. Dehydration also results in thinner, weaker skin, and weakened skin is more likely to show cellulite.

 Doctors suggest drinking 7-8 glasses of water per day for proper hydration.

3.  Improper Diet 

what causes cellulite


Unhealthy diet also causes sudden increase in cellulite. Studies have found that fatty foods, alcohol and caffeine to be major contributors to the appearance of cellulite.  A high-calorie diet high in carbohydrates, fats, preservatives, and salt may contribute to the formation of more cellulite. The toxins collect within the fat deposits, inflating them and pushing them to just under the skin.  An interesting element of caffeine is that it adds to the problem when ingested, but it is also an effective and proven treatment for the condition when it is injected into the problem areas.

4.  Smoking Can Increase Cellulite

Another major cause of cellulite formation on the body is smoking. Cellulitis can be exacerbated by both smoking and heavy drinking. It can stretch or damage the connective tissue, allowing cellulite to show through more easily. As if that weren't bad enough, smoking can also harm your skin by causing premature wrinkles and dry, discolored skin.

Cigarette smoke inhibits collagen formation. This reduces skin elasticity, making cellulite more visible and prevalent. One of the most important steps in cellulite treatment is quitting smoking.


5.  Medication

Some medications can interfere with the body's natural processes.  This disturbs the purification system that is naturally in place and the toxins are free to invade the fatty deposits and other areas of the body that causes that dimpled-looking fat on your thighs, hips and legs.

While the appearance of cellulite is considered to be aesthetically unpleasing, it is rather benign unto itself.  It may raise implications of a poor diet of undesirable health habits, but there is a distinct emotional impact that presents in low self esteem and social isolation as interactions with others becomes embarrassing or awkward.

 
Cellulite on legs and thighs can be stubborn and in certain individuals it can not be prevented, but there are ways to get rid of cellulite.

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