What We Get Wrong about Cellulite

The reason why skinny women still have to deal with cellulite

Since the 1980 study on cardiovascular diseases, fat became the public enemy. It was later proved that the study was incorrect, but it was too late: fat will have forever a bad reputation.

I think I spent more time as a dietitian defending fat rather than discussing other topics. One thing that came up recently was cellulite. One of my clients wanted to lose weight in order to get rid of cellulite. And there I was again … defending fat. How can you explain this? Very fit women like ballerinas or professional athletes still have cellulite. How can it be fat’s fault? I am here to share with you the answer to this question and what I’ve learned after digging for months in scientific studies.

What is cellulite?

Cellulite is the way three elements interact with each other. These elements are:

• fat cells
• skin
• lymphatic system

One cannot solve it all

The confusion began when everyone blamed the fat cells. It is true, fat cells can accentuate the “orange-peel” effect. But there are men who struggle with weight loss and still never had an issue with cellulite. We are also made to believe that one product can solve it all. That is enforced by the cosmetic industry which offers products that can solve only ONE, max TWO of the causes. According to the 2015 systematic review on cellulite treatment, researchers found that “Available studies in literature showed a better success in combined treatments, than single treatments.”

How do you get rid of cellulite then?

First, you have to find out what is the reason why you have cellulite. On the top of the page, there is a quiz. Take it and discover what is the main cause in your specific case.

Second, you have to “fight” it using more “weapons”. As mentioned before, cosmetic remedies can only help to a certain point.