5 Myths About Cellulite That Every Woman Needs To Know

This questions has plagued women since the beginning of time. Is there ANYTHING I can do to get rid of cellulite? While we’ve tried our best to find an answer, cellulite is still the stuff of nightmares. Some studies estimate that almost 80-90% of women will have cellulite at some point after puberty. The problem is real and very common and yet, most women don’t know how to tackle it. What’s worse, there are so many myths and misconceptions around the subject which make matters confusing.

Jitendra Chouksey, the founder of Fittr, a fitness social network and consultation platform, puts all your doubts to rest and busts the most common myths about cellulite.

What is Cellulite?

Cellulite needs no introduction. Simply put, it is a term that means the formation of lumpy, dimply skin on your thighs, buttocks, abdomen and other parts of your body.

What Causes Cellulite?

Cellulite gets formed due to the interaction of our connective tissues and fat cells. Here’s what might happen: if you have excess fat, the fat cells which lie beneath the skin push up against the connective tissue. This gives the skin that orange-peel kind of look that we know as cellulite.

Common Myths About Cellulite

Myth #1: Cellulite is a disease

This isn’t true. “Cellulite is a common phenomenon which occurs when fat cells push against the connective tissue and give the skin a lumpy or dimply appearance,” explains Jitendra. There are many other factors which also cause cellulite such as hormones, genetics, diet and lifestyle.

Myth #2: Cellulite can be cured

Cellulite isn’t a disease, so it can’t exactly be cured per se. “But with the right nutrition, adequate exercise and by controlling other factors that contribute to cellulite formation, you can reduce the severity of cellulite,” says Jitendra.

Myth #3: Cellulite creams work

This is like saying that creams can get rid of fat (another chronic myth!). Cellulite is formed due to a number of factors, many of which can be managed and reversed. Jitendra adds, “Cellulite is a symptom, not the cause. Once we address and remedy the underlying causes of cellulite, we will see improvements.”

Myth #4: Losing weight will banish cellulite

It isn’t so, unless you are building muscles and eating a healthy diet low in carbs and processed sugar. A good way of controlling the subcutaneous fat within connective tissues is through aerobic exercise and weight training.

Myth #5: Only older people have to deal with cellulite

Cellulite does increase with age but it can happen to younger people too. Some of the factors that determine cellulite are hormones, genes and the shape of your body—cellulite will be formed in areas where you store excess fat.

Studies do show that cellulite will affect 80-90% of women during their lifetime. But with the right lifestyle corrections, women can certainly reduce cellulite.