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cellulite

 
Dictionary: cel·lu·lite   (sĕl'yə-līt', -lēt') pronunciation
 
n.

A fatty deposit causing a dimpled or uneven appearance, as around the thighs and buttocks.

[French : cellule, cellule; see cellule + -ite, disease (from New Latin -ītis, -itis).]


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Food and Fitness: cellulite
 

A term adopted by the diet industry to describe the bulged, rippled, and waffled appearance associated with subcutaneous fat on hips, thighs, and buttocks. It occurs almost exclusively in women. Cellulite is less common in men because they have a different fat distribution; the connective tissue around their fat cells is stronger, and their skin is thicker.

The general consensus of medical opinion in Britain and the USA is that cellulite is merely an effect created by weakened connective tissue and cells filled with fat, and that it can be reduced by regular exercise and dieting. Typically, treatment consists of:

a low fat, high fibre diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables
regular, vigorous exercise, such as brisk walking for 30 minutes, three times a week
drinking plenty of water (about eight glasses a day).

Many doctors on the European mainland have a different opinion. They believe that cellulite is a medical problem requiring medical treatment. Some European researchers suggest that an oversensitivity to oestrogen may disturb the normal pattern of fluid and fat storage. They called cellulite ‘localized hydrolipodystrophy’. They believe that the bulging fat cells of cellulite harden if left untreated and recommend mesotherapy. This is a treatment used on a wide range of medical conditions including osteoarthritis and some sports injuries. It consists of injecting minute quantities of drugs under the skin in areas of tenderness associated with cellulite. Mesotherapy should be administered only by those medically qualified. In 1994, only one specialist in Britain provided this treatment.

 

Definition

Cellulite is a popular term to describe fat deposits under the skin. It is characterized by a dimpled or orange-peel appearance due to structural changes underneath the skin's top layer. Cellulite is a perfectly normal and harmless condition, however, it is a cosmetic concern of many people.

Description

Cellulite is a normal occurrence resulting from uneven fatty deposits, mostly below the waistline. In women, fat is arranged in large chambers underneath a fairly thin layer of skin. These chambers are separated by columns of collagen fibers. In obese (overweight) persons, too much fat is being stuffed into these chambers, causing the pitting and bulging of the skin. In addition, as women age, the fibers shrink and thicken, pulling the skin downward. This results in a quilt-like appearance on the skin surface, especially in areas such as the buttocks, thighs, or hips. Most women develop cellulite as they age, regardless of their race. According to some studies, as many as 95% of women over age 30 develop some form of cellulite in their body.

Female hormones (estrogen, and to a lesser extent, progesterone) play important roles in the formation of cellulite. Estrogen stimulates the storage of fat, which is needed for menstruation, pregnancy, and lactation. In addition, during the later phases of pregnancy, estrogen also causes the breakdown of collagen fibers to relax the cervix, making it possible for a woman to deliver her baby. This collagen breakdown sets the stage for the formation of cellulite. Progesterone may also contribute to the cellulite problem by weakening veins and causing water retention and weight gain.

Cellulite is mostly a female problem. Due to different body physiques, men tend to have lower percentages of body fat, while women have higher percentages. In addition, men tend to accumulate fat in the abdominal area while women have fat deposits mostly in the buttocks and thighs. Men have thicker skin and the chambers are smaller and more tightly-held together. Therefore, cellulite is not often found in men.

Causes & Symptoms

Many scientists believe cellulite, as well as obesity, is mostly predetermined by the genes that the persons carry. However, environmental as well as behavioral factors are also believed to have some effects on the development of cellulite.

The following factors are thought to contribute to the development of cellulite:

  • Being overweight. Though cellulite also appears on thin people, excess weight makes cellulite worse.
  • Pregnancy. Cellulite problems get worse with each successive pregnancy. During pregnancy, estrogen and progesterone levels are high. As a result, pregnant women have increased fatty deposits, weight gain, water retention, and weakened fiber structure. The most effective ways for women to get rid of body fat and cellulite and get back to pre-pregnancy shape are breast-feeding and exercise.
  • Aging. As women age, skin sags and wrinkles. In addition, the body's energy requirement lowers, thus, there is more fat accumulation.
  • Poor blood circulation. When there is impaired blood flow to the fat-storage area, collagen fibers are damaged due to lack of oxygen and accumulation of toxic wastes. The fibers shrink and thicken, resulting in the quilted appearance of the fat chambers. In addition, because oxygen is needed to burn fat for energy, fat in these poorly oxygenated areas is the last to be used. This is also why cellulite is so difficult to eliminate. Poor blood circulation is often caused by sedentary lifestyles, smoking, and high caffeine consumption.
  • Poor lymph drainage. The lymphatic system acts like a sewage system, filtering out and carrying away cellular wastes and toxins. If it is impaired, toxic products accumulate and inflate these fat cells, causing cellulite.
  • Lack of exercise. Cellulite may be caused by impaired blood circulation and poor muscle tone underneath the skin, which are caused by sedentary lifestyles.
  • High fat and sugar consumption. This often leads to excess caloric and fat intake, which causes increases in body fat and thus, cellulite.
  • Food allergy. Food allergy causes a variety of symptoms including food craving, weight gain, bloating and water retention, all of which worsen cellulite.
  • Highly processed foods that contain preservatives, artificial sweeteners and other additives. Heavy consumption of prepackaged foods causes build up of these toxins in the body.
  • Yo-yo dieting. Yo-yo dieting causes a woman to lose fat in the upper body while increasing fat deposits in the buttocks, thighs, and hips. Therefore, this practice tends to make cellulite problems worse than before dieting.
  • Sun exposure. Prolonged exposure to the sun accelerates the skin-aging process.

Diagnosis

There are high-tech methods developed to determine the presence and extent of cellulite such as ultrasound and electrical impedance, which are expensive and unnecessary. However, a woman can determine for herself if she has cellulite using the skin-pinch and roll technique. First, a woman sets up a reference point for later comparisons. Using her fingers, a woman should gently pinch a large fold of skin in an area not known for having cellulite. Then she should do the same with skin in the buttock, thigh or hip areas. Comparing the first pinch with later experiences, she should see if there are signs of cellulite such as skin thickening, dimpling, broken veins, cold skin, and lumpiness.

Treatment

Exercise

The best solutions to cellulite problems involve reducing subcutaneous fat through diet and exercise. Working out for at least 30 minutes five times a week firms up the skin by increasing muscle tone and keeping connective tissue fibers healthy. Exercise also increases blood circulation to these problem areas.

Diet

Dieting has to be combined with regular exercise to be effective in controlling or reducing cellulite. The following dietary changes are recommended:

  • Drinking lots of water. Water cleanses the digestive system and flushes toxins out of the body.
  • Eating a low-fat, low-sugar, high-fiber diet with emphasis on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
  • Refraining from smoking. Smoking causes poor blood circulation and contributes to premature aging of the skin.
  • Avoiding highly processed foods, caffeine, and alcohol.
  • Avoiding salty foods. Salty foods increase water retention and make cellulite appear worse.
  • Maintaining a normal, healthy body weight. Obesity increases fatty deposits and makes cellulite much worse.

Body Massage

Massage with or without anti-cellulite cream may have some limited benefits by improving blood circulation and lymphatic drainage. Regular massage also helps maintain smoother skin.

Herbal Supplements

There are many herbal products on the market for the treatment of cellulite. Products such as Cellasene do not offer any therapeutic benefits. Cellasene is a popular herbal mixture of fucus vesiculous, grape seed extract, sweet clover, ginkgo biloba, borage, lecithin, and fish oil. Its manufacturer claims that the herbal combination works by increasing the rate the body burns fat cells for energy. Many medical experts remain doubtful of its claim of effectiveness. A recent study shows that it may be just another fad product that has no therapeutic value.

There are several products, though, such as Centella asiatica (gotu kola) and Aesculus hippocastanum (horse

chestnut) that may help improve the appearance of cellulite. These herbs improve the underlying integrity of the skin by making the connective tissue fibers stronger and more elastic.

Allopathic Treatment

Liposuction is the most widely used treatment for cellulite. Fat cells are removed by suctioning through a cut or excision in the buttocks or thigh. Then some of these fat cells are redeposited into areas of dimpling to smooth out the contour. While liposuction significantly reduces total amount of fat in the body immediately, it may not significantly improve skin appearance. In other words, liposuction may or may not remove the dimpling or unevenness under the skin. Nor does it make leathery, wrinkling skin look taut and young. Even when it is effective, liposuction is only a temporary quick-fix solution. As long as there is excessive caloric and fat intake, the excess energy will be stored as fat and cellulite will certainly reappear, albeit probably in other parts of the body.

Liposuction is a surgical procedure. Therefore, it does carry some potentially severe consequences and complications. Pain and edema (fluid accumulation) occur in most patients. It may take up to six months for the edema to completely go away. Skin dimpling may look even worse immediately after surgery, however, the unevenness will smooth out over time. Surgical complications such as infections, uncontrollable bleeding, fatal blood clots, and inadequate or excessive fat removal (leaving behind flabby skin folds) may also occur.

Expected Results

Liposuction is not a generally recommended treatment for cellulite because it is an invasive, potentially life-threatening procedure. It can sometimes produce satisfying results but it is not a cure for cellulite. Repeat liposuction is often required because as long as there is excess caloric or fat intake, there will be fatty deposits in the body. Unless there are significant changes in lifestyle and diet, cellulite will reappear.

A 2002 study showed that a combination of ultra-sound-assisted liposuction followed by mechanical massage (endermologie) proved more effective than either technique used alone in reducing cellulite. Women with the best results also added exercise into their post-operative routine.

Fat-dissolving lotions and creams are not proven effective in treating cellulite. Herbal cellulite-dissolving products do not result in loss of body fat, as they often claim. At most, products such as Cellasene may be able to make the dimpling from cellulite become less noticeable. Further, when several ingredients are combined in these creams, it is difficult for investigators to determine which ingredient might be responsible for any reduction in the appearance of cellulite.

The most effective treatment for cellulite remains diet and exercise. Adhering to a low-fat, high-fiber diet and regular exercise will make the body as fit and trim as it can be. These are long-term solutions that also provide many additional health benefits including prevention of heart disease and cancer and slowing the aging process.

Prevention

Cellulite is a normal occurrence in the human body and predetermined by genetics. Some women will naturally have more cellulite than others. However, diet and exercise can keep the body fit and trim.

Resources

Books

The Burton Goldberg Group. "Cellulite." Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide. Tiburon, CA: Future Medicine Publishing, Inc., 1999.

Dancey, Elizabeth. The Cellulite Solution. USA: St. Martin's Press, 1996.

Murray, Michael T., and Joseph E. Pizzorno. "Cellulite." Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, revised 2nd ed. Rocklin, CA: Prima Publishing, 1998.

Periodicals

Bernstein, Gerald. "Liposuction: Liposuction of the Thigh." Dermatologic Clinics 17 no.4 (October 1999): 849-863.

Bolivar de Souza, Pinto E., P.J.I. Erazo, F.S.A. Prado Filho, et al. "Superficial Liposuction." Aesthetic Plastic Surgery 20 (1996): 111-122. In Year Book of Dermatologic Surgery, 1997.

"Dermatologists Shed Light on Treatments for Cellulite." Obesity, Fitness & Wellness Week (September 21, 2002): 8.

Lis-Balchin M. "Parallel Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study of a Mixture of Herbs Sold as a Remedy for Cellulite." Phytother Res 13 no.7 (Nov 1999): 627-629.

Scheck, Anne. "Dual Lipoplasty, Endermologie Approach Offers Successful Cellulite Reduction." Cosmetic Surgery Times (July 2002): 22.

Organizations

The American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (ASPRS). 444 East Algonquin Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60005. (800) 228-9900. http://www.plasticsurgery.org

Other

Srinivasan, Kalpana. "FTC Eyes Cellulite Supplement: Can Manufacturer Substantiate Claims?" Dr. Koop.comhttp://abcnews.go.com/sections/living/DailyNews/cellulitepill990527.html.

[Article by: Mai Tran; Teresa G. Odle]

 

A term adopted by the diet industry to describe the bulged, rippled, and waffled appearance associated with subcutaneous fat on hips, thighs, and buttocks. It occurs almost exclusively in women. Cellulite is merely an effect created by connective tissue filled with fat, and it can be reduced by diet and exercise.

 
Health Dictionary: cellulite
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(sel-yuh-leyet, sel-yuh-leet)

A popular term for fat that is difficult to remove by dieting and that often has a dimpled appearance. There is no physiological difference between cellulite and ordinary fat.

 
Wikipedia: Cellulite
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Cellulite
Classification and external resources
The dimpled appearance of cellulite
MedlinePlus 002033
larger scale uneveness of the skin

Cellulite describes a condition that is claimed to occur in most women,[1] where the skin of the lower limbs, abdomen, and pelvic region becomes dimpled after puberty.[2] The term was first used in the 1920s and began appearing in English language publications in the late 1960s, the earliest reference in Vogue magazine, "Like a swift migrating fish the word cellulite has suddenly crossed the Atlantic."[3] Its existence as a real disorder has been questioned,[4] and the prevailing medical opinion is that it is merely the "normal condition of many women and some men".[5] One cosmetic company has noted its historical place in industrialised societies as an "inappropriate term used by women to describe curves which they judge to be too plump and not very aesthetic".[6]

Synonyms include: adiposis edematosa, dermopanniculosis deformans, status protrusus cutis, and gynoid lipodystrophy. Descriptive names for cellulite include orange peel syndrome, and cottage cheese skin.

Contents

Epidemiology

It is thought to occur in most women.[7] There appears to be a hormonal component to its presentation. It is rarely seen in males,[2] but is more common in males with androgen-deficient states such as Klinefelter's syndrome, hypogonadism, post-castration states and in those patients receiving oestrogen therapy for prostate cancer. The cellulite becomes more severe as the androgen deficiency worsens in these males.

Causes

The causes are poorly understood,[8] and may involve changes in metabolism and physiology such as gender specific dimorphic skin architecture, alteration of connective tissue structure, vascular changes and inflammatory processes.[1][2][8][9]

Hormonal factors

Hormones play a dominant role in the formation of cellulite. Although people[who?] believe Estrogen is the most important hormone[citation needed] and that it seems to initiate and aggravate cellulite[citation needed], there has been no reliable clinical evidence to support such a claim. Other hormones including insulin, the catecholamines adrenaline and noradrenaline, thyroid hormones, and prolactin are all believed to participate in the development of cellulite.[2]

Predisposing factors

Several genetic factors have been shown to be necessary for cellulite to develop. Gender, race, biotype,[10] a hormone receptor allele that determines the receptor number and sensitivity, distribution of subcutaneous fat, and predisposition to circulatory insufficiency have all been shown to contribute to cellulite.[2]

Diet

Dieting has shown to have variable effects on improving or worsening the apparent appearance of cellulite.[11]

Lifestyle

Smoking, lack of exercise, fatty/starchy foods, and sitting or standing in a single position for long periods have all been correlated with an increase in cellulite[citation needed]. A high stress lifestyle will cause an increase in the catecholamine hormones. [2]

Fashion

Within the last 40-50 years women went from loose underwear around the thighs to tight underwear going across the middle of the buttock.[citation needed] Underwear that has tight elastic across the buttock limits blood flow, encouraging cellulite to form. Wearing thongs, boyshorts, or nothing and sleeping naked can reduce the impact underwear plays on cellulite's development.[citation needed]

Treatment

Numerous therapies have been tried. There are no published reports in the scientific literature showing that any of these therapies work. In an interview with the New York Times, Dr. Molly Wanner, an instructor in dermatology at Harvard Medical School and an author of a 2008 evidence-based review of existing treatments, asserted, “At this point, there is no outstanding treatment for cellulite.”[12] Dr. Michael F. McGuire, a clinical associate professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, confirmed that “realistically there is no cure for cellulite.”[13]

The most beneficial therapy may be to control lifestyle factors.[citation needed] However, Dr. Jeffrey Dover, a director of SkinCare Physicians, a dermatology practice in Chestnut Hill, Mass., says, "Some people have misrepresented the truth to suggest that there’s a lot you can do.”[14]

Physical and mechanical methods

Iontophoresis, ultrasound, thermotherapy, pressotherapy (pneumatic massaging in the direction of the circulation), lymphatic drainage (massage technique to stimulate lymphatic flow), electrolipophoresis (application of a low frequency electric current) have all been tried.[2]

To administer a lymphatic drainage massage, the individual is positioned so that maximum exposure is given to the target area. Several slaps with the open palm are applied to the area for about two minutes, with occasional pauses to rub the area in a circular motion. The resulting heat, along with the vibration of the skin and rhythmic contractions of the gluteus muscles stimulates the draw of fluid into the capillaries.[citation needed] The absorption of fatty acids and subsequent transport of fat causes the "orange peel" roughness to the skin to disappear.[citation needed] This may take several sessions to accomplish. The massage can be effective not only with Grade 3 cellulite but can be used pro-actively for Grade 1 and 2.

However, these treatments have no proven results, and may only create short lasting effects.

Pharmacological agents

Any number of drugs that act on fatty tissue have been tried as therapeutic agents. Certain drugs act on the fatty tissue and connective tissue and on the microcirculation. They can be used topically,[15] systemically, or transdermally.

These include the methyxanthines (theobromine, theophylline, aminophylline, caffeine), which act through phosphodiesterase inhibition, and pentoxifylline which improves micro-circulation; the adrenergic beta-agonists isoproterenol and adrenaline; the adrenergic alpha-antagonists yohimbine, piperoxan, phentolamine and dihydroergotamine; the methyIxanthine enhancers Coenzyme A and the amino acid l-carnitine; the drugs with connective tissue activity sillicium and Asiatic centella; the microcirculation active drugs Indian chestnut, ginkgo biloba, and rutin; and L-Carnitine.

These drugs are administered orally, as topically applied ointments, and by trans-dermal injection.

No independent scientific study or peer-reviewed literature has shown that pharmacological treatment has any significant effect on cellulite.

Compression garments

Clinical studies have found that compression garments, or shapewear garments, can help reduce the appearance of cellulite on the skin, but do nothing to help the condition itself.[citation needed]

Society and culture

While harmless, the dimpled appearance is a cause of concern for some people. The cosmetics industry claims to offer many of what it calls remedies. There are no supplements that have been approved as effective for reducing cellulite.

Radio frequency in the cosmetic industry is used to heat the skin in a non-invasive cosmetic procedure to heat the fat tissue underneath the skin. Other cosmetic procedures such as Mesotherapy have produced inconclusive results. While each has been FDA approved to reduce the appearance of cellulite temporarily, effectiveness varies by procedure. All methods require continual follow-up to maintain reduced levels of cellulite.

Liposuction, which extracts fat from under the skin, is not effective for cellulite reduction and may exacerbate the cosmetic problem. Dieting does not get rid of the dimpled appearance, but a balanced diet and exercise may help to reduce the fat content within the distorted cells, reducing their contribution to the dimpling.

References

  1. ^ a b Avram MM (December 2004). "Cellulite: a review of its physiology and treatment". J Cosmet Laser Ther 6 (4): 181–5. doi:10.1080/14764170410003057. PMID 16020201. 
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Rossi AB, Vergnanini AL (July 2000). "Cellulite: a review". J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 14 (4): 251–62. PMID 11204512. 
  3. ^ Vogue 15 Apr 1968 110/1
  4. ^ Nürnberger F, Müller G (March 1978). "So-called cellulite: an invented disease". J Dermatol Surg Oncol 4 (3): 221–9. PMID 632386. 
  5. ^ MedlinePlus Encyclopedia Cellulite
  6. ^ Franchi J, Pellicier F, André P, Schnebert S (July 2003). "[The adipocyte in the history of slimming agents]" (in French). Pathol. Biol. 51 (5): 244–7. PMID 14567186. 
  7. ^ Wanner M, Avram M (April 2008). "An evidence-based assessment of treatments for cellulite". J Drugs Dermatol 7 (4): 341–5. PMID 18459514. 
  8. ^ a b Pavicic T, Borelli C, Korting HC (October 2006). "[Cellulite--the greatest skin problem in healthy people? An approach]" (in German). J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 4 (10): 861–70. doi:10.1111/j.1610-0387.2006.06041.x. PMID 17010177. 
  9. ^ Terranova F, Berardesca E, Maibach H (June 2006). "Cellulite: nature and aetiopathogenesis". Int J Cosmet Sci 28 (3): 157–67. doi:10.1111/j.1467-2494.2006.00316.x. PMID 18489272. 
  10. ^ A population within a species that has distinct genetic variation.
  11. ^ Smalls LK, Hicks M, Passeretti D, et al. (August 2006). "Effect of weight loss on cellulite: gynoid lypodystrophy". Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 118 (2): 510–6. doi:10.1097/01.prs.0000227629.94768.be. PMID 16874227. 
  12. ^ New York Times, Treating Cellulite?
  13. ^ New York Times, Treating Cellulite?
  14. ^ New York Times, Treating Cellulite?
  15. ^ Cosmeceuticals at eMedicine

External links


 
Translations: Cellulite
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Dansk (Danish)
n. - cellulit, kunststof

Nederlands (Dutch)
opgehoopt bobbelig vet op dij/heup

Français (French)
n. - cellulite

Deutsch (German)
n. - Fett

Ελληνική (Greek)
n. - κυτταρίτιδα

Italiano (Italian)
cellulite

Português (Portuguese)
n. - celulite (f) (Patol.)

Русский (Russian)
целлюлит

Español (Spanish)
n. - tejido celular

Svenska (Swedish)
n. - cellulit

中文(简体)(Chinese (Simplified))
因脂肪而形成的皮下疙瘩

中文(繁體)(Chinese (Traditional))
n. - 因脂肪而形成的皮下疙瘩

한국어 (Korean)
n. - 셀룰라이트

日本語 (Japanese)
n. - セリュライト

العربيه (Arabic)
‏(الاسم) مادة السليولايت‏

עברית (Hebrew)
n. - ‮שומן (בירכיים)‬


 
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Dictionary. The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2007. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.  Read more
Food and Fitness. Food and Fitness: A Dictionary of Diet and Exercise. Copyright © 1997, 2003 by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.  Read more
Alternative Medicine Encyclopedia. Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine. Copyright © 2005 by The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.  Read more
Sports Science and Medicine. The Oxford Dictionary of Sports Science & Medicine. Copyright © Michael Kent 1998, 2006, 2007. All rights reserved.  Read more
Health Dictionary. The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Edited by E.D. Hirsch, Jr., Joseph F. Kett, and James Trefil. Copyright © 2002 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.  Read more
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