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The cause of cellulite is still being debated but several studies and researchers have determined that there are irregularities in the structure of the fatty subcutaneous connective tissue in women which predisposes them to develop cellulite. In women there are thin fibrous septa, arranged mostly vertical to the dermis, partitioning large lobules of adipocytes (fat cells) into discrete pockets that protrude into the reticular dermis. This structure was seen in all women, even those with no visible cellulite. As these large lobules expand with more fat cells an additional strain is placed on the thin septa that are holding them causing the dimpling of the skins surface and other changes within the skins connective tissue leading to the padded appearance of the skin.
In men the subcutaneous connective tissue contains lobules of smaller size and the fibrous septae appears thicker and are arrange more horizontal to the dermal surface. The boundaries between connective tissue and the dermis are smooth and continuous. This structure also does not allow for storage of large volumes of fat cells as is the case in women.
Hormones
Many researchers believe hormones play a role in aggravating cellulite although the exact mechanisms are not totally defined. The most important hormone, estrogen, is thought to be involved because;
The condition mainly effect women
It usually appears after puberty
The condition is aggravated during pregnancy, menstruation, nursing and estrogen therapy.
Estrogen interacts and influences other hormones. The other hormones that may be involved are insulin, catecholamines (adrenaline and noradrenlaine), cortisol and thyroid hormones.
Genetics
According to one study a genetic an inherent predisposition is necessary for cellulite to develop. Important hereditary factors included:
Sex, affects mainly women
Race, White women develop cellulite more often than Asian or African American women
Fatty tissue distribution
Hormones like estrogen and cortisol, etc.
Lifestyle
Cellulite per research may be influenced by diet, hormones, exercise and other factors. A non balanced diet with excessive intake of fats and carbohydrates provokes hyperinsulinemia and an increase in lipogenesis. Hyperinsulinemia is a condition caused by a high level of insulin in the blood it is almost always caused by an individuals diet. Lipogenesis is the sequence of biological reactions involved in the formation and storage of lipids (fats). The body can only use so much fat for energy the excess is stored in fat cells (adipocytes) which leads to obesity and more cellulite. Lipid metabolism is in a constant state of dynamic equilibrium. This means that some lipids are constantly being oxidized to meet energy needs, while others are being synthesized and stored. If insufficient calories are ingested, the energy deficit is made up by oxidizing fat (lipolysis) reserves. These simple facts provide the key to weight control although it is probably more easily understood than carried out in practice.
Excessive salt intake provokes fluid retention. A fiber poor diet leads to constipation and increases venous resistance within the lower limbs; this leads to blockage and an increase in capillary permeability.
A sedentary lifestyle contributes to the aggravation of cellulite leading to a decrease in muscle mass and an increase in fatty mass. The muscles and skin begin to show flaccidity particularly as a person ages. The ability of muscles to pump and contract in the area of cellulite also diminishes leading to increasing blockage.
Some researchers believe that stress, anxiety, depression and emotional disturbances can contribute to cellulite formation. When we are stressed the body produces more adrenaline and noradrenaline which, under high concentrations, stimulate lipogenesis (storage/creation of fats). The other critical hormone that is influenced by stress is cortisol which regulates carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism. Some researchers classify cellulite as a psychosomatic disorder and suggest that modifications (circulatory, hormonal) within the hypothalamic centers provoke metabolic changes.
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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. |
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