Cellulite -vs- Fat
While you may associate cellulite
with those who are overweight, it is important to recognize that the
characteristic lumps and bumps of “orange-peel” skin can afflict
even the skinniest of people.
Cellulite affects women rather than
men and it is a condition that affects the connective tissue of the
body.
|
The problem of cellulite
occurs when pockets of fatty tissue become trapped beneath
the connective tissue of the body. Whilst the skeleton
provides a framework for the body for support and
protection, the organs and tissues of the body are held
together by a network of connecting tissues called the
superficial fascia that lies under the skin.
The skin is fairly elastic
and it will tolerate an amount of expansion and contraction
caused by fluid and fat level fluctuations. The connective
tissue underlying the skin is no-where near as elastic and
it will not tolerate such changes.
As a result fat cells become
stuck beneath the connective tissue in nooks and crannies
from which they cannot escape - and this is what causes the
bumps and bulges on susceptible areas of the body. |
|
Whilst calorie controlled diets
will reduce levels of fat in the body, they do not affect
cellulite and it is for this reason that even the very slim can
be affected by this problem.
Even if the fat cells are eventually
persuaded to dissipate whether through diet exercise or massage, the
connective tissue will not revert to its former shape as it has no
elasticity. It’s a bit like over-filling a plastic carrier bag and
causing it to become misshapen – no amount of smoothing and folding
will restore that carrier bag to its original shape and size.
|
There are particular parts
of the body that are more susceptible to cellulite simply
because these are the areas that are prone to storing more
fat in the first place. These include the thighs, hips and
buttocks – all areas designed to lay down stores of fat, in
days when food supplies were not plentiful, to sustain the
female during pregnancy, childbirth and lactation.
Unfortunately, the genetic
programming of the female body has yet to catch up with
modern day food supply levels.
In comparison to cellulite,
fat is remarkably easy to shift from the body. This
statement should give the reader an idea of how stubborn and
persistent cellulite can be. For those who are overweight,
the excess weight can conceal cellulite and it is not until
this excess weight is finally lost that the cellulite is
uncovered and revealed. Being thin can make the cellulite
appear to be worse as it is far more visible. |
|
To rid yourself of cellulite is
a long process that requires resolve and determination. Starting
with a complete detoxification; continuing with a cleansing diet
that is high in fluid and nutrients and incorporating regular
daily aerobic exercise and weight training.
A diet high in water rich fruit
and vegetables is then required for life, to prevent the problem
recurring.
Massage can help, although the
jury is out on whether the various lotions that are now
available really do help the condition. Just the physical action
of massaging affected areas to stimulate circulation, improving
oxygen supply to the cells and encouraging the elimination of
toxins can do nothing but good. Massage should be avoided in any
areas where there are varicose veins.
So whilst cellulite may be
caused by fatty tissue initially, the problem will persist even
in the absence of fat. Dieting to reduce cellulite does not
work.
|
