Home      Testimonials      About Us      Contact Us      Articles      News & Events      Toll Free 800-957-5655


Can You Reduce Cellulite?

By Dr. Randi Fredricks, Ph.D.

Cellulite is a series of ripples of fat cells and subcutaneous connective tissue under the skin. Usually found on the thighs and butt, especially in women, it has a characteristic 'orange peel' appearance. It affects women but very few men, probably because of a difference in cell structure between men and women.

What Causes Cellulite?
We don't know why cellulite is caused. Some experts believe it is caused by a problem in the fat cells. Others believe toxins in the system are responsible for cellulite. Other experts think hormones cause cellulite. As yet, no consensus has emerged as to the root cause of cellulite.

One Plausible Cause of Cellulite
One plausible explanation - which also explains why very few men suffer from cellulite - is based on the composition and behavior of women's fat cells and the connective tissue that holds them in place. Very simply, a woman's connective tissue is very inflexible, so as she gains weight and her fat cells expand, they tend to bulge upwards towards the surface of the skin, giving the classic orange-peel appearance of cellulite. In men, not only is there generally less fat on the thighs, but also the outer skin is thicker and thus obscures what is happening to any surplus fat below.

Does Being Overweight Cause Cellulite
By itself, being overweight does not automatically cause cellulite. True, many people with obesity do have cellulite, but some don't. Also, some people with cellulite have slim figures and an ideal weight. Post menopausal women tend to have more cellulite than younger people, although it's also prevalent in adolescents.

Excess Fat and Cellulite
However, there is a clear association between excess fat and cellulite. The enlarged fat cells put pressure on connective tissue that affects the skin's smoothness and tautness. To keep the layer of connective tissue between the fat cells supple, eat foods rich in bioflavonoids and vitamin C.

Is There a Cure for Cellulite?
Bottom line - despite intensive research, there is no non-surgical cure for cellulite. And when I say non-surgical, beware of any type of surgery as post-surgical fat distribution can result in a "freaky" appearance.

Does Dieting Help to Reduce the Appearance of Cellulite?
Does dieting help reduce cellulite? Like any other fat or fat cells, cellulite fat responds to calorie-restriction and is burned off by calorie-deficit, but it is the stored fat that goes away - the fat cell is still present and can refill if calorie excess resumes.

Which Products Help to Reduce the Appearance of Cellulite?
As stated, there is no non-surgical cure for cellulite, although certain products may help alleviate symptoms. The herb Gota kola seems to help relieve symptoms of cellulite: so does a good quality Aloe Vera cream. But no product offers a complete cure for cellulite.

Can Liposuction Remove Cellulite?
Liposuction can leave behind worse dimpling than "natural" cellulite. Liposuction removes body fat, but then the body stores new fat somewhere else. Sometimes, it can deposit in inappropriate and unattractive places, such as the knees, or under the chin, or under the arms and so on.

How to Cope with Cellulite
As I say, there is no cure for cellulite. But this doesn't mean you have to sit on your butt waiting for scientists to come up with the answer! If you don't fancy the idea of liposuction weight loss surgery because of the risks, you can still help matters by cleansing your system, reducing your weight and fat and getting active.

Tips on How to reduce the Appearance of Cellulite

  1. Maintain a normal weight. If you are overweight reduce your weight gradually.
  2. Quit smoking.
  3. Avoid unnecessary medication, like diet-pills, pep-pills, sleeping pills, laxatives and diuretics.
  4. Reduce your intake of coffee, alcohol, high-fat foods and highly processed foods.
  5. Eat plenty of fiber.
  6. Drink plenty of water and eat regular daily helpings of fresh fruit.
  7. Take regular vigorous exercise
  8. Try rubbing a good quality aloe vera cream into the cellulite-affected areas
  9. Get massage on a regular basis - hot stone massage is especially helpful!


About the Author

Dr. Randi Fredricks, Ph.D. is a psychotherapist and author specializing in the treatment of mental health using integrative medicine and natural therapies. She works with individuals, couples, and families at her office in San Jose, California and is the founder of All Things Well, a certified provider of The Listening Program. Dr. Fredricks' publications include the landmark book Healing & Wholeness: Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Mental Health. No part of this article may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems. Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Dr. Randi Fredricks as articles often present the published results of the research of other professionals. Copyright © 2012.



The Listening Program also known as Listening Program
Shipping Information
Help Section
Order Status
FAQs
Customer Service
Return Policy
Shop Safe Guarantee
Privacy Policy
Company Policies
Contact Us
About Us
Product List
Articles
Newsletter
Our Founder
Consultations
Resources
Sitemap

The Listening Program from All Things Well
Click here to go back to the top of the page...
The Listening Program for everyone
Dr. Randi Fredricks, Ph.D., is a certified provider of the Listening Program. This site does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and is intended for informational purposes only. No therapeutic relationship is established by the use of this site. Dr. Fredricks is a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist MFC 47803.
Copyright & Disclaimer © 2012 All Things Well, The Listening Program, Privacy and Security Notice
The Listening Program also known as Listening Program