Cellulite: What’s Your Lifestyle Got to Do with It?
Cellulite affects about 80 to 90% of all women. While it doesn’t pose any serious threat to health, it can make people feel self-conscious and negatively affect how they perceive themselves. The appearance of skin dimpling may even cause women to avoid certain types of clothing, such as shorts, skirts, and bathing suits. The exact cause of cellulite is not known, but it is said to happen when the underlying fat deposits push toward the skin and distort the connective tissues. It causes a lumpy or dimpled skin appearance on the hips, thighs, abdomen, and buttocks. Almost anyone can have cellulite, but it is a lot more noticeable in those with excess weight. Read our previous post and learn about the 5 things you may not know about cellulite. Should you blame your habits? There is some genetic link to cellulite, which is why even those with low body mass index (BMI) can have it. You may have a higher chance of getting cellulite if your mother or grandmother had it, but do take note that your lifestyle can also have something to do with it. Certain habits can also make the appearance of skin dimpling worse. Lack of physical activity or having a sedentary lifestyle is said to be associated with cellulite. It can also make skin dimpling worse, as prolonged sitting can negatively affect your muscle tone and skin firmness over time. It is also linked to excess weight, which is another factor that can make cellulite more visible. What prolonged sitting does is cause water retention and reduce blood flow. It can affect susceptible areas, such as thighs and buttocks, which can then increase the prominence or severity of cellulite. Taking regular breaks can help, as well as regular exercise. Other habits that can make skin dimpling worse include: • • • • •
Yo-yo dieting (losing weight, regaining it, and losing weight again) Poor diet (especially those with too much salt and excess sugar) Wearing tight clothing Sunbathing or overexposure to the sun Smoking (it weakens collagen formation)