Cellulite is just a fancy name that refers to the dimpled, lumpy, puckered appearance of the skin that some people have on their hips, thighs, and buttocks. It is much more common in women because of the differences in the way that fat and connective tissue are distributed in the skin of men and women.

Is there a difference between cellulite and fat? Everyone has a smooth layer of fat on his/her body. This fat layer insulates the body and cushions the internal organs. Cellulite, however, is lumpy and provides no cushioning. It is only present on certain parts of the body. For women, it can be on the hips, thighs, buttocks and/or abdomen. For the few men who have cellulite, it is usually on their abdomen.

WHAT CAUSES CELLULITE?

Although there are several factors that can influence whether a person has cellulite such as your genes, your gender, the amount of fat on your body, your age, and the thickness of your skin, the truth is: we do not know what causes cellulite.

*Being overweight does not cause cellulite - many sufferers are slim, while many severely obese people show no signs of it.

*Older people have more cellulite than younger people, although it is also prevalent in adolescents.

*Female hormones may play a role in contributing to cellulite, yet it is not treatable by hormone therapy.

THE ANSWER TO CELLULITE:

If you are one of the thousands, if not millions, of women who suffer from cellulite, your best policy is to avoid buying expensive commercial products. Instead, take the following steps.

1. PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR DIET:

*Eat a low-fat diet. Eating a healthy diet is usually recommended as part of a weight maintenance lifestyle.

*Do not allow yourself to get dehydrated. Drink lots of water.

*Avoid excessive consumption of coffee, alcohol, and very high fat foods like chocolate, candy, etc.

* Make sure your diet includes enough fiber. (30 grams a day is a good target)

* Eat regular amounts of fresh fruit.

*The more natural foods your diet contains, the better.

2. QUIT OR CUT DOWN ON SMOKING.

3. AVOID UNNECESSARY MEDICATION:

In particular, avoid diet-pills, sleeping pills, laxatives and diuretic pills.

4. TAKE REGULAR EXERCISE:

Ideally, exercise in the fresh air. Make it part of your daily routine. Aerobic exercises like swimming and walking are best. If outside exercise is impossible, do it inside to music. Or, do a regular series of breathing exercises.

5. DO NOT LET STRESS OVERWHELM YOU:

Make relaxation and massage a regular part of your daily routine. If you enjoy aromatherapy, blend a couple of drops of your favorite into a carrier oil like almond for example and GENTLY massage this into the area in question on a daily basis.

WHAT YOU WILL ACHIEVE:

Following these steps will help to cleanse your body of toxins that are believed to be a major contributory cause of cellulite. They will also make you feel a lot better overall.

DO NOT EXPECT MIRACLES:

Despite the existence of hundreds of products and treatments that claim miracle properties, there is no miracle product that will make cellulite go away and there is no proven cure. So, do not expect miracles and do not waste your money searching for a magic bullet. There is no such thing.