Cellulite: Please tell me the truth about it

Yilsip

Hi Pals,
I know little of nutrition & exercise, but using my common sense I am guessing these fat deposits that are concentrated on my thighs and buttocks are about 20 years of eating dairy, daily. I eat cheese with every meal except breakfast. I figured the cellulite was due to lack of consistent exercise but every so often I see a 'skinny' girl with cellulite.
My question is; can exercise coupled with a low fat diet, or at least hitting my MFP macros, eliminate, or at least reduce the cellulite?
Thanks for your input!

Michellereducf

It's just fat, plain and simple. It looks the way it does because of the structure of connective tissues. I saw a body builder in the gym and she had some!

Hell_Flower

Hm, I can only really give anecdotal example of this.

But I'm pear shaped and yes, I do get cellulite, quite a lot actually. I have noticed however than when I get to the lower end of my BMI it reduces drastically. To lose the weight I do cut out cheese and dairy to maybe just a couple times a month (not including milk in my coffee!).

But now, it seems to have gone completely. I can only put this down to exercise, specifically cardio. I usually work out 5 times a week for about an hour. During this, I do a high-resistance on the elliptical for 20 minutes and the maximum resistance on the stepper for twenty minutes.

Bye cellulite! So. Yea. I think it's a lot of factors to take in with it. I don't think caffeine has an impact, which the girlie mags will tell you is a big cause of cellulite, because I take in a LOT of caffeine on a daily basis and it's gone now.

For me, it's a combination of a low fat/low dairy lifestyle and some intense cardio.

Yilsip

Thanks for your feedback. I honestly cannot cut out cheese completely; I can cut ice-cream, yogurt, butter,and I do not drink or add milk to any of my drinks.
I was confused about Cardio because I did not think it could help with celullite, I thought only weight training could do it. I am totally wrong I guess :-(

quarkenstein

It's about reducing overall body fat percentage, whether with cardio, weightlifting, or a mix of both. I prefer both (or boxing as my "weight lifting" - the muscle building from boxing 3x a week is intense) because both are beneficial. Just keep on reducing body fat overall.

earlnabby

Thanks for your feedback. I honestly cannot cut out cheese completely; I can cut ice-cream, yogurt, butter,and I do not drink or add milk to any of my drinks.
I was confused about Cardio because I did not think it could help with celullite, I thought only weight training could do it. I am totally wrong I guess :-(

Neither cardio or weight training helps directly with cellulite, and neither does eliminating dairy. Cellulite is fat which you can gain or lose just like any other fat with a calorie deficit. It looks like it does because of the structure of the connective tissues which is mostly genetic and age related.

DjinnMarie

Thanks for your feedback. I honestly cannot cut out cheese completely; I can cut ice-cream, yogurt, butter,and I do not drink or add milk to any of my drinks.
I was confused about Cardio because I did not think it could help with celullite, I thought only weight training could do it. I am totally wrong I guess :-(

Neither cardio or weight training helps directly with cellulite, and neither does eliminating dairy. Cellulite is fat which you can gain or lose just like any other fat with a calorie deficit. It looks like it does because of the structure of the connective tissues which is mostly genetic and age related.

You are partially correct. But weight training has greatly reduced the appearance of my cellulite. Mine was WORSE after I lost weight. Now it's barely perceptible. I'm super pale so you can still see a little bit. When I tan you can't see it at all.

Yilsip

I guess there isn't a one answer, but I do understand that many components factor in. My Mom has zero cellulite at age 60,and has a very hourglass shape, size Small, whereas I have been a pear since puberty, always about 20 lbs overweight and started seeing the cellulite in my early 20's.
I am going to take my measurements today, reduce fat from my diet, and start a consistent exercise routine. I need to lose 15 lbs to get to my goal weight, but I am sure the cellulite will still be there, my upper legs are like jello :-( Rest of me is actually pretty firm for my age and weight, my stomach is almost flat (tiny baby-pouch in lower abdomen) and my calves are a bit muscular. I am a mess.

ThePhoenixIsRising

Cellulite is a condition that happens when the connective tissue that holds your skin in place becomes tight. It pulls the skin back at the connected points creating "pockets" where the skin is loser. When this happens the fat at the surface of the skin pokes through into these pockets. It happens far more often in women because we have less connective points than men, making the pockets larger.

It is speculated that once this happens the blood supply to the pocketed fat is greatly reduced making it 1) more difficult for your body to access, and 2) making it harder because of the reduced water and blood flow. The only way to get rid of this fat is to reduce your bodyfat%.

Some believe increasing blood flow to the skin by foam rolling can help your body access this fat easer, or at least soften it so if feels less marbly. Many also take vitamins that help with skin and tissue health hoping it give the connective tissue back it's elasticity, reducing the appearance of the pockets.

My best advice is
1) lose body fat
2) stay hydrated
3) increase blood flow to area (lifting, and foam rolling both may help)
4) make sure you are getting the vitamins and minerals your body needs to stay healthy.

Yilsip

Thanks so much, that was a very easy explanation, makes perfect sense. I am definitely going to follow your points.
I barely drink water, take no vitamins, and have not exercised in 2 months. Small steps should get me in a better place soon. Thank you :-)

ThePhoenixIsRising

Thanks so much, that was a very easy explanation, makes perfect sense. I am definitely going to follow your points.
I barely drink water, take no vitamins, and have not exercised in 2 months. Small steps should get me in a better place soon. Thank you :-)

Small steps are the best ones to take! Happy cellulite slaying!

ninerbuff

Reduce yes. Eliminate no.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

BusyRaeNOTBusty

Where did the cellulite-dairy connection come from? Did you read that somewhere or just make it up? Dairy doesn't make you gain fat, a calorie surplus does. Fat in your diet does not directly correspond to fat on your body. There is no need to cut dairy or limit dietary fat as long as you are under your calorie goal and getting enough protein.

We HAVE to have some fat on our bodies. Women need more than men. Our bodies cannot function properly without it. And yes, where the skin attaches to the muscle through the fat we can get dimples. This is not unhealthy, this alone does not indicate unhealthy amounts of fat.

Good read:

https://gokaleo.com/2013/03/06/cellulite-its-time-we-all-just-get-the-hell-over-it/

Yilsip

That sucks, but I will be happy toning my legs. I agree I do not see how my 'saddle bags' would ever disappear, but the 'wrinkles' as my 4 year old calls them, on my upper legs is fairly new and just looks like very loose fat, not swiss cheese holes. My goal is to get myself to the gym, but for now home workouts will have to do.

Yilsip

Thanks for the link. I simply thought those fat dimples had to do with my excessive dairy intake as I do not eat any meat, poultry, or fried foods. I mean I can eat a few french fries, or mozarella sticks on occasion, but the only food I consume daily which is high in fat is cheese, or sweets. I do eat tuna though, not sure if super high in fat.

3laine75

Anecdotal again from me,

A combination of fat loss, exfoliating and moisturising and weight training has shifted mine.

Edit: and I eat dairy everyday . Eating fat has nothing to do with it. Fat is essential and should not be cut from your diet.

Julieboolieaz

Cellulite is a condition that happens when the connective tissue that holds your skin in place becomes tight. It pulls the skin back at the connected points creating "pockets" where the skin is loser. When this happens the fat at the surface of the skin pokes through into these pockets. It happens far more often in women because we have less connective points than men, making the pockets larger.

It is speculated that once this happens the blood supply to the pocketed fat is greatly reduced making it 1) more difficult for your body to access, and 2) making it harder because of the reduced water and blood flow. The only way to get rid of this fat is to reduce your bodyfat%.

Some believe increasing blood flow to the skin by foam rolling can help your body access this fat easer, or at least soften it so if feels less marbly. Many also take vitamins that help with skin and tissue health hoping it give the connective tissue back it's elasticity, reducing the appearance of the pockets.

My best advice is
1) lose body fat
2) stay hydrated
3) increase blood flow to area (lifting, and foam rolling both may help)
4) make sure you are getting the vitamins and minerals your body needs to stay healthy.

^ this!

You don't need to eliminate anything specific from your diet...,but to reduce it these are the key points!

I'm working on it myself . Progress...

BigGuy47

Just to clarify:

Eating fat doesn't not make you fat.
Cutting out fat will not magically make you lose fat.

Eating too many calories will make you fat.

NhrtN

I just wanted to share my own anecdotal experience. I actually joined this site because of cellulite. I was what they call "skinny fat". I was thin but had fat bulges in my trouble areas including cellulite on the back and sides of my legs and butt. It was pretty bad. I couldn't even take a picture because I didn't want to ever see it again. I was mortified by it.

Over three months I was able to reduce the appearance of it by 85%. I'm not sure how much of it is truly gone. It looks a million times better though. Now I just have to get rid of my saddlebags. They are not very big but I know it's a very stubborn area to lose fat.

I just wanted to share because I came to these boards when I first started looking for motivation. Reading about other's success stories was very motivating to me. Good luck!

midnight419

Strength training can reduce the appearance of cellulite. I've never had a lot of cellulite, but mine has gone away completely.

Yilsip

Thanks for sharing! I am confused as to how it cannot be completely eradicated, but again, cutting most of it will be fantastic. Do you mind sharing what exercise routine you followed?

Yilsip

I read on here somewhere that one cannot spot reduce, which I already knew, but that cutting 'bad fats' from your diet, i.e. all the dairy I eat, would aid in weight loss and cellulite reduction.
It is hard to know who is correct and who is misguided on the public forums.

PDarrall

Women have body fat. You can't get rid of it. Some will always suffer cellulite. You may be able to reduce it, but sometimes you can't.

Love your body. Nobody really sees it the way you do.

Yilsip

I totally get that some of us will have more body fat than others, I do. That being said, I do not dislike my body, I hate having cellulite on my thighs and booty. I am nearly 40 and married, I am here to get fit for myself, the husband is content either way :-)

ThePhoenixIsRising

I read on here somewhere that one cannot spot reduce, which I already knew, but that cutting 'bad fats' from your diet, i.e. all the dairy I eat, would aid in weight loss and cellulite reduction.
It is hard to know who is correct and who is misguided on the public forums.

Why do you feel dairy is bad fat?

Regardless of the type of cals you eat, if you are in a deficit you will lose weight. This includes fat. Strength training helps retain muscle by telling the body it is needed. This makes the body want to burn less vital(used) muscle and instead burn more fat. This is why strength training is stressed when people want to reduce body fat and not just weight.

To shrink cellulite you must lose body fat, not just weight. You can't get rid of cellulite because even though the fat that was filling the cells may be gone the cells them selves live on for something like 8 years just waiting to be filled again before they die off.

As you age connective tissue loses elastin which is what causes this tissue to tighten creating the pockets as I explained above. Unfortunately there is no proven way to correct this.

It will always be a battle you will have to fight.

independant2406

Here's what scientific evidence says about cellulite:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18459514

stephanieross1

Its mostly genetics, so you can have a larger person with them, as well as a skinny person. Most if not all women have it to some degree, I found running and squats (along with body fat % loss) drastically reduced, I had moderate amount, and now it looks smooth ( in most lighting ), but again each body is different so what worked for me may not work for another. and id say throw out any cellulite cream! does not work

just adding for the low fat diet, fats are good for your hormone regulation, i wouldn't worry about "low-fat foods", its all about calories that make you gain weight, 3500 calories, dont worry about that untill youre using macronutrients for goals, like protein,carb,fat%

Cherimoose

I read on here somewhere that one cannot spot reduce, which I already knew, but that cutting 'bad fats' from your diet, i.e. all the dairy I eat, would aid in weight loss and cellulite reduction.
It is hard to know who is correct and who is misguided on the public forums.

Then hire a Registered Dietitian, or take a college course on nutrition. Or read a textbook on nutrition at your library.

As far as exercise, i'm guessing you are not following a strength training program, using heavy weights, correct? Seems to be a common thing with women who complain of cellulite.

meshashesha2012

it's mainly genetic. as for strength training getting rid of it .....



someone should telly elisabeth akinwele that she should start training with weights

Yilsip

Agreed, this will be a lifelong issue. And thanks for making me feel better about my dairy intake, my diet is not the best so I need to make a great effort at introducing more greens. Going to grab a few light weights and begin exercising after 3 months of nearly sedentary lifestyle.
Funny thing is I used to exercise 2-3 X per week until May when I was hospitalized with illness and tachycardia, I then stopped completely. Within 2 months I started to notice the 'wrinkles' as my child calls them and gained 5 lbs I cannot seem to shake off. Guess I was wrong for thinking it was insignificant, need to get on it stat.

NhrtN

Thanks for sharing! I am confused as to how it cannot be completely eradicated, but again, cutting most of it will be fantastic. Do you mind sharing what exercise routine you followed?

I'm not sure if you meant me or not but I'll share anyway . I only do home based workouts. For cardio I do high intensity interval training with jogging, boxing, or jump-roping. I do this a couple of times a week for 30 mins. I do the same schedule with strength training. I use light ankle weights and hand weights and do 14 reps of each exercise. I used to do squats but stopped because I thought my thighs were getting too muscular. I like the long and lean look. So instead I focus on isometric butt exercises and other thigh exercises to tone the cellulite danger zone.

I also do dry brushing and coffee scrubs in the shower. I don't have a lot of time so I just do the trouble areas. I agree with the person who said cellulite creams don't work. However, I do like Jergens Skin Firming lotion. It doesn't get rid of cellulite but I can feel the skin tighten back there which helps lessen the look of any dimples.

And I love dairy. I'm lactose intolerant and still have at least 2 servings a day. I remember in nursing school being told that dairy is high in estrogen. As a result it has been linked to breast cancer and is implicated in causing cellulite. Nobody really knows though. So if you like dairy, I say eat it. Just stay within the number of calories and fat grams that you are supposed to.

In regards to the picture of Elisabeth Akinwele, her legs are in the worst possible angle to be photographed in (regarding to cellulite). She still rocks though. But just know that when your legs are bent at the knees, cellulite looks the worst especially on the back of the thighs. That's why I make it a point to stand up straight when at the beach.