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Cellulite............. What woman hasn't?
Can a healthy life-style diminish
the effects or is there more
to it than that?
THE
CHALLENGE OF CELLULITE.
It is
common knowledge that weight gain can worsen the appearance of cellulite. An
increase in volume within the fat layers, resulting from the accumulation of
fat, can magnify the
appearance of existing dimples.
By adhering to a healthy lifestyle, defined by optimal nutrition and regular
exercise, the percentage of overall body fat can be lowered. It enables the
reserve fat stores to be metabolized for energy and their volumes reduced. Although cellulite cannot be eliminated or effectively reduced by diet and
exercise alone, it can be rendered more responsive to other recognized methods
of cellulite reduction
What Is Cellulite?
Cellulite is a common term used to describe
superficial pockets of trapped fat, which cause uneven dimpling or “orange
peel” skin. It appears in 90% of post-adolescent women and is rarely seen in
men. Common but not exclusive areas where cellulite is found are the thighs,
buttocks, and the abdomen. Contrary to
popular belief, cellulite is not related to obesity, since it occurs in
overweight, normal, and thin women.
Underneath the epidermis and dermis exists
three fat layers. Cellulite develops in the most superficial of these layers,
known as the hypodermis or subcutaneous fat layer. This layer is structurally
unique from the others because its fat lobes are organized into chambers by
surrounding strands of connective tissue. Hormones not exercise and diet,
primarily regulate fat storage and metabolism in the subcutaneous fat layer.
Male vs. Female
In women, the subcutaneous fat layer is organized into large vertical chambers
where an abundance of fat can be stored. The chambers in men are arranged as
small diagonal units, which not only store smaller quantities of fat but are
also unlikely to result in cellulite formation
Factors Involved in Cellulite
Hormones
Special importance is placed on hormonal factors (oestrogen, folliculin, etc.),
since cellulite develops mainly in women during periods of hormonal change,
such as puberty, pregnancy, menopause, premenstrual syndrome, and the initial
months on birth control pills.
Hormones are responsible for regulating the
changes in blood flow, lymphatic drainage, fat, and connective tissue, all of
which play a role in the formation of cellulite.
Lifestyle: Diet and Exercise
Cellulite forms as a result of complex physiological changes to the
subcutaneous fat layer, despite attempts to exercise regularly and follow a
well-balanced diet.
However, without a healthy lifestyle, the overall
appearance of existing cellulite can worsen over time due to weight gain, poor
nutrition, and inadequate water intake.
Age
Aging results in a loss of thickness and tone of the connective tissue within
the dermis and the superficial fat layer. The outcome is a more visible and
flabby cellulite.
There are several ways to evaluate and
classify cellulite.
- The
pinch test is a simple way to locate
cellulite. Pinch the skin on your outer thigh between your index finger
and your thumb, and look for dimpling. You can also try other regions of
the body, namely the buttocks and abdomen.
- The
Nurnberger - Muller scale can be used to
classify cellulite based on a four-stage process, beginning with normal
skin and terminating with its most advanced stage
- Stage zero
No dimpling when the subject is standing and lying. The pinch test reveals
“folds and furrows”, but there is no mattress-like appearance. - Stage 1
No dimpling while the subject is standing or lying, but the pinch test
reveals the mattress-like appearance. - Stage 2
Dimpling appears spontaneously when standing and not lying down. - Stage 3
Dimpling is spontaneously positive standing and lying down.
Questionnaire
Determine your Cellulite Profile by answering the
following questionnaire:
- Do you
have visible cellulite (no pinching needed)?
- Is your
cellulite painful when you pinch your skin?
- Do you
have cellulite in more than 1 area of your body?
- Did you
start noticing cellulite before the age of 25?
- Do you
suffer from marked premenstrual syndrome?
- Do you
have water retention?
- Do you suffer
from chronic constipation?
- Has your
weight fluctuated more than 5% in the last three years?
- Are you
taking any hormones?
- Do you
drink a lot of coffee, tea or alcoholic beverages
on a daily basis? - Do you
smoke?
- Do you
drink under 8 glasses of 8 ounces (2 liters)
of water per day? - s your
diet rich in saturated fats (meat and dairy) and/or
high glycemic carbohydrates (pasta, rice, bread, etc)? - Do you
prefer salty foods?
- Have you
gone over 3 months without regular exercise?
Total your score giving yourself 1 point
per question you answered YES.
If your score is above 8, it is recommended that you make lifestyle changes to
minimise further worsening of cellulite.
- Increase
water intake to a minimum of 8 glasses of 8 ounces (2 litres) per
day.
- Minimise
consumption of coffee, tea and alcohol.
- For each
serving of coffee, tea or alcoholic beverage, drink 2 glasses of water.
- Exercise
regularly.
- Minimise
consumption of saturated fat and carbohydrates.
- 75% of the
food should consist of fruit, vegetables, and whole grains. The remaining
25% may consist of meat, fish, eggs, nuts, and whatever one likes best.
- Incorporate
an effective cellulite treatment.
Certain Beauty Salons and Spa’s can assist you with an effective
cellulite treatment. There is no magic instant
cure but noticeable results can be achieved over time. Contact your favourite Salon and ask if they have
a program to assist you to reduce your cellulite. If you have a question you may contact me
and I will try to be of assistance to you.
Christina
If you would like more information go to this link: http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=51220 or just click HERE
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