Eating Healthy for Life

If you're self-conscious by the "cottage cheese" around your thighs and rear, you aren't alone. Millions of people suffer from this unattractive affliction called cellulite. Cellulite has a tendency to accumulate in and around the stomach, thighs, and rear area, and both males and females can get it. But unfortunately it's considerably more widespread in women than in men. The dimply, cottage cheese structure is very visible because fat deposits press against the connective tissues causing the skin surface to dimple.

There are three grades of cellulite. Grade one is mild, producing only changes in cells. With grade two the skin gets pasty and fat tissues become lower in temperature and much less elastic. Level three is primarily grade two but with the skin appearing much rougher.

So how exactly does cellulite form initially?

Most people are dismayed after they first see those ugly lumps in the mirror, that appear to have come from nowhere. Many need to know what they did to lead to it. But bear in mind, there are various aspects that can contribute to cellulite. Many experts think that gender, genetics, hormones, volume of body fat, in addition to diet and lifestyle choices can all lead to cellulite.

Major contributing factors are the hormones insulin and estrogen along with being predisposed genetically to producing cellulite. What you eat and surprisingly, what you wear may cause cellulite too. Eating excessively and eating meals elevated in carbs, sodium and fat are all contributing factors to getting cellulite. More causes are insufficient exercise, smoking and constrained clothing.

There are many so called "cures" for cellulite, there is however no scientific evidence to back these claims. Some common treatments involve injecting the trouble spots with drugs and enzymes. Not only is this painful and expensive, but these treatments haven't been proven to work. Massage is another popular treatment, but does nothing more than puff up the skin in the short term. Liposuction doesn't work since it takes away the deep layers of fat but not the fat close to the surface of the skin.

However, there is a new anti cellulite cream that does show some promise. Studies by top universities have found it to 'deflate' fat cells like a balloon. This anti cellulite cream is somewhat new and more studies may be needed to find out if it truly works. For the time being, it seems that the only surefire approach to minimize cellulite is good ole' fashion diet and exercise...and maybe a new anti cellulite cream.