Causes of Cellulite – Why does My Thigh Look Like Cottage Cheese?

in Anti Cellulite

Before you treat the cottage cheese-like appearance on your body, it is imperative to know what the causes of cellulite are. Usually, cellulite appears at bigger parts of the body such as the thigh and stomach. It is frequent in grown-up women, however, sometimes even children and adolescents are pestered by this condition. Although cellulite does not affect a person’s health, women are very much concerned because it affects their appearance.

A lot of health professionals consider that cellulite is brought about by weak skin elasticity. Underneath our skin, there are many types of cells which include fat cells also called as adipose tissues. These fat cells serve as padding and heaters of the body. Unfortunately, when they turn out to be larger than the normal fiber compartments which hold the skin, these sections stick out forming bumpy layers of fat cells. Thus, cellulite is produced.

Cellulite

Cellulite

What Causes Cellulite?

As mentioned awhile back, anybody can be a victim of cellulite – even men complain about it. Older individuals do get their share of fate but the younger generation is not as well exempted from the condition. Even if you are slim, there is no reason to be too confident that you will not have any cellulite. This condition affects all women – fat or thin.

Although, fatter women are more prone to having cellulite, thin women can also suffer from the said condition. Why or how does cellulite appear? Here are some of the answers to the question. This will help you know about getting rid of cellulite later on.

  • Genetics. Some believe that cellulite is genetically inherited. There are people who just have weaker veins, fat cells, poor circulation, sensitive hormones, and frail lymphatic vessels which can all be inherited. This cause may not be prevented but at least by knowing that it does cause cellulite appearance, you know what to expect.
  • High Levels of Female Hormones. There are more women than men who have cellulite. One reason is because of the web-like structure fibrous septae which are prone to trap the fat cells. Second, high levels of estrogen may promote over-development of fat cells along the breasts, buttocks, and thigh areas. Also, elevated levels of progesterone can cause weight gain, fluid retention, and weak veins.
  • Pregnancy. During this period in a woman’s life, the body experiences great raging of hormones and amplified fluid retention. Because of these, the body can develop cellulite. Although there are a few lucky women who do not experience such a problem, most will experience the bulges after childbirth.
  • Stress. Lingering stress combined with augmented adrenaline rush causes the increased storage of fat. This can manifest in several areas of the body such as the stomach, hips, butts, and thighs.
  • Sedentary Lifestyle. Without exercise, the body’s blood circulation, lymphatic and venous systems are greatly affected. Veins and vessels are overextended and can lead to leaking, poor circulation and retention of fluid. This leads to production of cellulite and worse, weight gain.
  • Smoking. Cigarette smoking is not just hazardous to the health but can also cause cellulite. Free radicals in a cigarette smoke damages capillary and vein walls leading to leaking and inflammation. Microcirculation is also lessened by nicotine.
  • Harsh Massages. Massages are encouraged for people with cellulite. But did you ever think it can be one of the causes of cellulite buildup as well? Massages, when done incorrectly, can damage the delicate lymphatic vessels of the legs. When the vessels are broken, fluids could drain into the nearby tissues and eventually lead to cellulite.

These are the several causes of cellulite. The factors that cause cellulite may vary from one person to another, but the important thing is you are now aware of the reasons for this condition. From this information, you may now know what to do to get rid of cellulite development in your body.

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{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }

Jocely May 26, 2010 at 7:49 pm

Thanks so much for this article. As a thin 14 year old it came as a bit of a blow when my mom mentioned i have cellulite. Granted, my legs are not my best feature. After 9 years of ballet and suddenly quitting for multiple reasons my legs went from huge muscle, to just huge. Even though i now run 2 miles a day, they’re probably my worst quality, apart from my bad posture. hahaha. but its definitely relieving that this is normal for me. Stress could definitely be a major factor since high school is stressful and added to that my parents want a divorce. Thanks for the support!

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