Studies done in the West show that 90% of women have cellulite. And the quest to get rid of it has become a billion-dollar business. In the past six years, the market for cellulite products has grown by more than 115% worldwide and it shows no signs of slowing down.


It is neither fat nor stretch marks. Nor does it affect only overweight women. Cellulite is the cosmetic name for the collection of fat that pushes against the connective tissue beneath the skin.

This causes the skin surface to dimple or pucker-up—like the surface of an orange peel. This is one of the most stubbornly irritating problems faced by women.

Cosmetic procedures can help

Women are genetically programmed to store fat around their hips and thigh areas. Cellulite also appears in these zones as it is formed inside fat cells. Men don’t get as much cellulite (I know, it’s unfair!) because they have a greater muscle to fat ratio.

How is cellulite formed?

One-sixth of the body mass is made up of spaces between cells. These tiny interstitial spaces should hold no more fluid than is necessary to maintain a healthy, clean internal environment. When this does not happen, there’s a build-up of toxins. This, in turn, pulls the cells apart, creating a dimpled effect on the skin—called cellulite.

What causes cellulite?

Gender, age, skin density and your physiology, all determine the amount of cellulite you have. Diet also has an effect. Consuming large amounts of fat, carbohydrates, alcohol or too little fiber can all contribute to cellulite.

Lifestyle habits—smoking, lack of exercise, wearing tight clothes and high heels, sitting or standing in the same position for too long—have been associated with the increased appearance of cellulite.


There is no quick-fix solution for cellulite, even though many OTC creams and pills to combat cellulite are easily available in the market. However, they are largely ineffective.

The obvious and most inexpensive way to treat this problem is to watch what you eat and burn extra calories by exercising regularly.

Ways to reduce its appearance

Reduce fluid retention

It can be achieved by body brushing and massage. You could also choose from the following physical and mechanical methods:

1. Ultrasound therapy: A funnel-shaped vacuum is pressed on to the cellulite-affected area. The pressure created by the vacuum tones the skin and reduces cellulite.

Cellulite is visible here

2. Thermotherapy: Includes sauna and steam baths. It leads to burning up of fat cells and therefore reduction in the appearance of cellulite.

3. Presso-therapy: This procedure involves pneumatic massaging in the direction of blood circulation to flush out toxins from the fat cells, thereby reducing cellulite.

4. Lymphatic drainage: Massage is used to stimulate the lymphatic flow which, in turn, flushes out the toxins.

5. Electrolipophoresis: A low-frequency electric current is applied on the affected area. This leads to burning of fat cells and therefore less cellulite.

* Exercise: It delivers nutrients and oxygen to the skin surface, thereby reducing fluid retention.

* Liposuction: This removes the deposits of fat which lie trapped between the skin and muscle. It is a surgical procedure that is done under general anesthesia.

* Lasers Combine mechanical, light, heat and radiofrequency energy to the skin.

* Mesotherapy This procedure involves injecting plant extracts, medication and vitamins into sub-cutaneous fat. This leads to reduction in the number of fat cells.

* Jet therapy: It breaks fat cells with the help of compressed air that is blown onto the skin, through a small filtration system.

Above all these, you should always bear in mind, that a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, eating enough fiber, coupled with 30 minutes of exercise every day, is the best way to maintain the shape of your body. And, of course, keep the cellulite at bay.

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