Cellulite is a term used to describe the chain of wrinkled fat cells and subcutaneous connective tissue beneath the skin and which seems to be more prevalent in women and accumulates more in the lower half of the body.
It would be unfair to say this is a condition exclusive to overweight women because that couldn't be further from the truth and can affect even slim women.
A number of fats collect in the lower areas of skin and push against the connective tissue forcing the skin to pucker or have a dimpled look which is called cellulite.
After many years of research, scientists still cannot determine the exact cause of cellulite or why some are affected more than others but there may be some connection between toxins that enter the body and how certain fat cells store them.
One thing is for certain though ad that is cellulite increases with age which is partly due to the reduction of collagen and elastin in the system which is why we tend to have more wrinkles as we get older.
Women are more prone to hormonal imbalances as they age and the fat found in their thighs and buttocks where the cellulite forms is different to the fat in other areas, unlike men who rarely suffer with this condition.
The presence of cellulite is not always prominent, unless one tries to pinch the upper skin of one's thigh; should it feel lumpy then you most certainly have it but a woman should not feel bad about having cellulite, since most women have the this condition.
Although it is not know what causes cellulites, some factors seem to contribute to its build up including age, sex, extra fat carried and skin thickness all seem to aid the formation.
As medical science cannot prove conclusively what causes cellulite, it makes it difficult creating a cure for it even though a number have been tried including cellulite burning creams.
Massage has been found to help hide the indications of cellulite even though it cannot remove it; but is does reduce it's visibility for a temporary period and is available from some beauty clinics.
Perhaps the most drastic is liposuction where fat is literally sucked from the body or the more expensive procedure of injecting certain chemicals in a process called mesotherapy.
Only temporary relief can be gained from both these procedures and liposuction despite its success at removing deep fat from large areas of the body, is not designed for the fats close to the surface as in the case of cellulite.
A number of cosmetic manufacturers claim their creams are an effective method of cellulite removal but it would seem these are just a method of making the condition less visible and as yet no definitive treatment exists.
Although no treatment can really help, adjustments to lifestyle habits seem to be a better option which means adopting a healthy diet, with regular physical activity and an overall reduction in weight.
Many of the toxins that aid cellulite formation in the cells can be removed by drinking plenty of water every day not to mention the other health benefits of drinking water which include weight reduction.