Guide To The Risk Factors And Causes Of Cellulite
Weight Gain Or Loss
Significant weight gain or loss could increase the severity of cellulite. For example, patients who have recently gained twenty to thirty pounds or more could notice any cellulite they may have appeared worse. While weight loss is typically recommended as a treatment for this skin complaint, it does not always make cellulite disappear completely. Patients who have undergone rapid weight loss could lose a significant amount of muscle mass and definition, causing fat cells and cellulite to appear more pronounced.
Rapid weight loss could also weaken the elasticity of the connective tissues, and the sagging skin that results may worsen any existing dimpling of the skin. To reduce these risks, doctors recommend that patients maintain a healthy weight, and gradual weight loss of one to two pounds per week is typically advised. Patients may need to work with a doctor or nutritionist to meet their weight goals.
Hormones
Another widespread cause of cellulite is hormones. Research shows that females tend to be more affected by cellulite than men, and they may get it at any time during their life. This problem may be mostly because of the arrangement of connective tissue. However, hormone imbalances play a crucial role when it comes to developing cellulite. There is a direct connection between estrogen levels and the increase of cellulite. Low estrogen reduces the blood flow to the connective tissue, increases permeability and fluid retention under the skin, and makes the skin thinner.
Less estrogen in the body results in insufficient collagen and elastin fibers, which are needed to keep the skin toned and firm. During perimenopause, the time before menopause, estrogen levels fluctuate and can either be too low or too high. The latter, for instance, increases the amount of fat under the skin. In menopause, estrogen levels drop, and the skin becomes saggier. Thus, women are prone to noticing more cellulite during this period than in their younger years.
