It’s the peak of swimsuit season, and there’s a pesky problem that’s plaguing most women: cellulite. Most women have it (year-round, unfortunately), no woman wants it, and they spend lots of money trying to get rid of it.
“It’s a fact—there is no cure for cellulite,” says Dr. Lavinia Rodriguez, author of Mind Over Fat Matters: Conquering Psychological Barriers to Weight Management (iUniverse, 2008). “The most effective cellulite cure is simply a healthy diet and exercise. And who wouldn’t want to be more fit anyway!”
The cellulite woman have been able to hide with cozy sweatpants all winter long is now on full display with all of the shorts and swimsuits of summer. Many women find themselves in a dilemma between sitting on the side of the pool in the sweltering heat and showcasing their cellulite in a bathing suit. Any claim to cure cellulite in this tight fix seems like a good one. But Rodriguez says that, despite many old wives’ tales and the constant bombardment of advertisements on television, the simple solution to cellulite is a healthy lifestyle.
Identifying the fallacies about the fat on your behind can help start the journey to a cellulite-free lifestyle. Read on for four myths about cellulite its important to know this summer.
Myth: Cellulite is a different type of fat.
Truth: Technically, cellulite is just plain old fat. It’s most recognizable by its cottage cheese-like appearance. It’s most commonly found on the thighs, butt and stomach, as many are probably already aware. Dr. Rodriguez says these are the areas of the body where fat tends to deposit and the skin is thinner. Several other factors can determine your inclination to have cellulite, including:
- Gender—Rodriguez says surprisingly about 90% of women and virtually no men suffer from this type of bulge on their behind.
- Genetics—You can thank your mom or dad if you are more inclined to have dimples in your derriere.
- Fat—Watch your weight. The more fat you carry, the more cellulite you’ll see.
- Skin thickness—The thinner your skin, the more cellulite will show.
- Age—The older you get the more likely cellulite will appear.
Myth: There is a product that will instantly cure cellulite.
Truth: Americans spend billions on products and treatment methods promising to diminish the appearance of cellulite. From massages and body wraps to topical creams and vitamins, there are countless products promising to make cellulite disappear. Although it’s tempting to look for a quick fix to cellulite, Rodriguez says that unfortunately there is no overnight cure.
“Despite many advertisement claims to the contrary, there is no good scientific evidence demonstrating that these procedures, including liposuction, effectively rid the body of cellulite,” warns Dr. Rodriguez. “Most doctors still recommend getting fit as the most effective way to control cellulite.”
Myth: If I just lose those last ten pounds, my cellulite will disappear.
Truth: Simply losing weight will not eliminate your cellulite. Rodriguez says women of all shapes and sizes struggle with cellulite. To give yourself the best odds of beating the bulge, she suggests getting fit and living an active, healthy lifestyle.
“Gradually reducing overall fat, increasing muscle mass, drinking plenty of wate, and eating healthy is the way to go,” says Rodriguez. “It’s an inexpensive method that doesn’t waste your time. By doing what works to get rid of cellulite, you’ll also achieve other health benefits.”
Myth: Cellulite is simply a physical problem.
Truth: Cellulite can affect more than your appearance. Getting your mind on board can help solve your cellulite dilemma. Rodriguez urges you to keep the following in mind if cellulite seems to be putting a damper on your summer fun.
- Accept that cellulite is just fat.
- Think about factors such as age, gender, and heredity that may play a bigger role in your cellulite struggle.
- Learn how to best lose weight and tone your muscles so you can reduce cellulite in a direct manner.
“Once you’re living a healthy lifestyle, you won’t care so much about the tiny imperfections,” says Rodriguez. “Continue living a healthy, active lifestyle and don’t let cellulite rain on your summer parade.”