Can You Ever Really Get Rid of Cellulite?
If you’re wondering how to get rid of cellulite, you’re not alone. The dreaded orange peel effect haunts almost 90% of women (even supermodels), and it’s one of the most common issues that damages body confidence. Companies have spawned an entire industry of lotions, creams, and cosmetic treatments that are designed to reduce its appearance. But these won’t help you get rid of cellulite permanently and are usually only short-term fixes (if they work at all).
The key to reducing cellulite long-term is a combination of maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly. Being overweight can intensify its appearance, so incorporating low-calorie meals into your daily routine can really help to gradually reduce it over time. In this article, we look at the most effective cellulite treatment options available and exactly what causes it, so you know how best to get rid of it.
What causes cellulite?
Cellulite is where the skin takes on a dimpled appearance similar to orange peel. It’s caused by fat bulging through the connective tissues which support it, creating an uneven skin texture. Having larger fat cell deposits under the skin leads to more pressure on the connective tissues and more prominent cellulite. But even a small amount of fat can press against these fibrous bands which is why people of all shapes and sizes can have cellulite, not just those who are overweight.
Cellulite itself doesn’t seem to have any negative effect on our health, but from a social point of view, it’s something that we’ve come to regard as negative. Numerous polls and surveys have shown that most women want to get rid of cellulite and many spend a lot of money trying to do so. But why is it mainly women that seem to be affected? And is there anything we can do to reduce the likelihood of it developing?
Who is most affected by cellulite?
Cellulite mainly affects women due to their hormonal makeup. Female sex hormones promote the storage of fat to ensure they have sufficient energy supplies should they become pregnant. It’s also possible for men who are obese to have cellulite, as well as those with extra female hormones, however, this is relatively unusual. It’s been suggested that the hormones contained in birth control medication can cause cellulite but there isn’t any definitive proof, so the jury’s still out on that one.
Cellulite tends to become more prominent as we age because our skin loses some of its elasticity and moisture. It’s also common in people who are carrying excess weight because there’s a greater volume of fat pressing against the sub-dermal structures. This makes it more noticeable, but it doesn’t mean that slim people don’t get cellulite – even supermodels admit to being affected!
How to get rid of cellulite through dietary changes
There are a number of dietary changes you can make to help eliminate cellulite for the long-term. If you’re carrying extra weight, then losing some of it will help to reduce it. Not only will you look and feel better, but your health will thank you too. A healthy diet for weight loss and an anti-cellulite diet will basically involve the same eating habits;
- Eating at least 5 portions of fruit and veg each day
- Choosing whole grain carbohydrates instead of refined ones
- Going for lean sources of protein such as pulses, chicken, and turkey
- Drinking 8 glasses of water each day (more if it’s hot or if you’re exercising)
Ensuring that you’re well hydrated is especially important for weight loss. Without enough water, your body is unable to break down stored fat, no matter how hard you’re exercising. Unknowingly being even a little dehydrated is something that trips many people up and stalls their weight loss efforts. Even if you think you’re drinking enough, it’s worth recording the number of drinks you consume to be 100% sure.
It’s also important that you’re getting enough vitamins and minerals since these all play a vital role in the breakdown and elimination of fat from the body. Eating a balance of vegetables, fruit, whole grain carbohydrates and lean protein should get you most of your essential nutrients. However, if you eat a restricted diet due to intolerances or personal choices then it can be worth taking a multivitamin too. This will ensure that your body has all the micronutrients it needs to break down fatty deposits, which is essential to get rid of cellulite for good.
Losing weight through a balanced diet is the most effective way to eliminate cellulite, but we understand it can be difficult. If you struggle with willpower alone or get cravings for unhealthy foods, then taking a supplement like PhenQ can help. It boosts your fat burning capabilities so you shed unwanted pounds faster and suppresses your appetite so you don’t feel like eating as much throughout the day. This makes the entire weight loss process a lot easier and can help you get rid of cellulite faster too. For more weight loss tips and healthy eating inspiration, check out the other articles on our blog.
Can exercise get rid of cellulite?
Exercise can be a powerful tool in the battle against cellulite. It burns calories which supports weight loss, strengthens the muscular structures, and stimulates blood flow to help remove the build-ups that contribute to cellulite. It can also boost our self-confidence so that we’re less insecure about our natural imperfections.
Regular exercise can help you burn fat and improve muscle tone so that cellulite is less noticeable. It’s especially effective for common problem areas like the thighs, bum and upper arms. It’s not a miracle cure, but it will contribute to fighting the underlying causes of cellulite.
The best exercises to get rid of cellulite will be those that target the affected areas. If you have cellulite on your thighs then go for exercises that target your quads and hamstrings, whereas if it’s on your bum then choose glute exercises instead. Great leg exercises for eliminating cellulite include squats, lunges, and cardio activities like jogging and cycling. Using a foam roller in your workouts can also help to stimulate blood flow and give the lymphatic system a boost, both of which help to remove toxins.
Other cellulite treatment options
You’ve probably heard of other cellulite treatment options like massage, herbal wraps, and lotions, but unfortunately, there’s little research to show they’re effective long-term. Massage does boost the circulation and stimulate the lymphatic system, so may help short-term but you simply won’t remove the underlying fat cells without diet and exercise.
Herbal wraps and creams can also improve the appearance of cellulite in the short-term, usually for between 6 hours and 2 days. These treatments tend to mask the appearance of cellulite by plumping up the surrounding skin, rather than eliminating it altogether. Using fake tan is another way to mask the appearance short-term, however sunbathing will have the opposite effect since it dries and damages the skin.
How to get rid of cellulite fast & long term
The most effective way to get rid of cellulite is to lose weight through a combination of dietary changes and regular exercise. Although there’s a multi-million-pound cellulite treatment industry built around creams, lotions, and other treatments, the truth is that none of them are effective in the long-term. The real answer is to reduce the underlying fatty deposits through controlled weight loss.
So, now you know how to get rid of cellulite for good. Eat a balanced diet that gives you essential nutrients and drink plenty of water throughout the day. Exercise regularly with the aim of burning fat and toning muscle in the affected areas. If you need a little help along the way, PhenQ can increase fat burning and reduce your food cravings to make the weight loss journey easier.
Have you reduced the appearance of cellulite with weight loss? We’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
