It's not about being overweight: a nutritionist explains why cellulite appears

The appearance of cellulite is not related to being overweight, but is caused by completely different factors.

Nutritionist Svitlana Skosar wrote about this on her Facebook page.

Cellulite is a structural change in the subcutaneous fat layer of human skin that leads to impaired blood microcirculation and lymphatic drainage. This syndrome is also known as adiposis edematosa, dermopanniculosis deformans, status protrusus cutis, and gynoid lipodystrophy.

According to the nutritionist, cellulite can be found on any part of the body that contains subcutaneous fat. Certain areas are more susceptible – the upper outer and back thighs, and buttocks. You can also find cellulite on the chest, lower abdomen, upper arms, and back of the neck – wherever there is an accumulation of fat cells.

However, the doctor noted that despite the fact that cellulite can be anywhere there is an excess of fat cells, it is not necessary to be overweight.

According to the doctor, the appearance of cellulite is characterized by a triad of signs:

• an increase in subcutaneous fatty tissue,
• microcirculation disorders,
• and connective tissue compaction.

"How this vicious circle is formed: a decrease in muscle activity and a sedentary lifestyle impair venous outflow and slow down lymph circulation. This leads to a decrease in metabolism, fat formation, and, as a result, to the development of cellulite. That is, prolonged sitting and driving, which are typical for many women and men, interfere with normal blood flow in the lower extremities, causing venous stasis and damage to capillaries. But, most importantly, cellulite occurs in almost 80% of healthy women and is not a manifestation of hormonal imbalance or age," the doctor said.

According to her, all modern methods of treatment: mesotherapy, body wraps, vacuum massage, and dry brush massage are not aimed at fat, but only at the skin and improving lymphatic drainage, which makes dimples less noticeable.

The doctor also noted that for good lymphatic drainage, i.e. cellulite treatment and prevention, it is necessary to drink enough water, eat according to the body's needs, and be physically active.