Cellulite: What is it and How can you get rid of it naturally?

The first sign of cellulite is every woman’s nightmare. Cellulite is an irregular accumulation of fatty cells immediately underneath the skin, which leads to a dimpled appearance known as cellulite or ‘orange skin’. So, let’s take a closer look at cellulite, what it is, why mainly women get it and how you can get rid of it.

What is Cellulite?

In addition to the secretory portions of sweat glands, the hypodermis (subcutaneous connective tissue which lies just below your skin) contains lobules of adipose tissue (tissue containing fat-cells), which are separated by strands of collagenous fibers, called septae.  When these septae become excessively filled with well-nourished adipocytes (fatty cells), the surface of the skin becomes dimpled and the appearance is known as cellulite.

Cellulite occurs around the hips, thighs, and buttocks. Because of the close proximity of cellulite is to the surface of the skin, it creates a dimpled appearance in those body regions.

It occurs mostly in women as well as in some men, and can affect most age groups. Even if you do not have a weight problem, eat healthy food, drink plenty of fluid and exercise on a regular basis, you can still have cellulite.

It is estimated that about 85% of women have some cellulite. Cellulite can begin developing in teenagers, but more commonly begins to show itself in the late 20’s, early 30’s. Factors that are attributed to the development of cellulite are: age, genetic predisposition, Hormonal changes, unhealthy diets and lack of exercise. However, even fit and healthy top athletes can and do get cellulite. Basically the reason women get cellulite is because women have to store fat to give them enough calories to get them through pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Read Part II of How to get rid of cellulite