Cellulite describes a condition that occurs in men and women (although much more common in women) where the skin of the lower limbs, abdomen, and pelvic region becomes dimpled after puberty.

The term was first used in the 1920s and began appearing in English language publications in the late 1960s, the earliest reference in Vogue magazine, "Like a swift migrating fish the word cellulite has suddenly crossed the Atlantic."

Descriptive names for cellulite include orange peel syndrome, cottage cheese skin, the mattress phenomenon, and hail damage. Synonyms include: adiposis edematosa, dermopanniculosis deformans, status protrusus cutis, and gynoid lipodystrophy.

Cellulite is unrelated to cellulitis, which is infection of the skin and its underlying connective tissue.

It is normal for pubescent females to display some degree of cellulite. There appears to be a hormonal component to its presentation. It is rarely seen in males, but is more common in males with androgen-deficient states such as Klinefelter's syndrome, hypogonadism, post-castration states and in those patients receiving oestrogen therapy for prostate cancer. The cellulite becomes more severe as the androgen deficiency worsens in these males.

Cellulite is related to being overweight. However, diet factors may be involved (see below).

Causes

The causes are poorly understood, and several changes in metabolism and physiology may cause cellulite or contribute to cellulite. Among these are a disorder of water metabolism, abnormal hyperpolymerization of the connective tissue, and chronic venous insufficiency.

Hormonal factors

Hormones play a dominant role in the formation of cellulite. Although people believe Estrogen is the most important hormone and that it seems to initiate and aggravate cellulite, there has been no reliable clinical evidence to support such a claim. Other hormones including insulin, the catecholamines adrenaline and noradrenaline, thyroid hormones, and prolactin are all believed to participate in the development of cellulite.

Predisposing factors

Several genetic factors have been shown to be necessary for cellulite to develop. Gender, race, biotype, a hormone receptor allele that determines the receptor number and sensitivity, distribution of subcutaneous fat, and predisposition to circulatory insufficiency have all been shown to contribute to cellulite.

Diet

Diet has been shown to affect the development and amount of cellulite. Excessive amounts of fat, carbohydrates, salt, or too little fiber can all contribute to increased cellulite.

Lifestyle

Smoking, lack of exercise, fatty/starchy foods, and sitting or standing in a single position for long periods have all been correlated with an increase in cellulite.   A high stress lifestyle will cause an increase in the catecholamine hormones.

Recommended Treatments:

Lipolisis