Why Women Are Prone to Cellulite, and Solutions if You're Bothered by It

While both men and women get cellulite, the lumps and dimples seem to prefer women, as 80-90% of women get cellulite compared to only 10% of men. 

If you’re unhappy with the appearance of cellulite on your legs, buttocks, or other areas, our team of primary care providers at Temecula Medical Group in Temecula, California, understands and can help. 

Why cellulite targets women more than men

There are two primary reasons women are more prone to cellulite:

Hormones

As you reach puberty, become pregnant, or start menopause, the estrogen hormone level in your body fluctuates. Varying estrogen levels lead to an increase in stored fat, while the natural aging process causes a decrease in collagen. Lower collagen levels cause skin dehydration and thinning, the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and loss of firmness.

Fluctuating hormones and decreased collagen production make cellulite more visible as it pushes against the outer layer of your skin.

Distribution of fat

Women’s skin is naturally thinner than men’s skin, and women have connective tissues arranged vertically under the skin. Cellulite fat cells can push through the vertical connective tissues and against the outer layer of skin, where it is easily seen on female thighs and buttocks.

Even thin women who are in good overall health can deal with cellulite.

Factors that increase the risk of cellulite

Other factors can increase your risk of cellulite. In addition to being female, aging affects the appearance of cellulite for both genders. Some people may notice it as early as puberty, but it’s far more common in older adults as your skin loses elasticity and collagen. Getting older also tends to result in muscle loss which helps bring the appearance of cellulite front and center!

A sedentary lifestyle and poor diet also contribute to the formation of cellulite. 

How to reduce the appearance of cellulite

Eating a healthy diet of protein, fats, fiber, and healthy carbohydrates can reduce your risk of developing cellulite. Strength training exercises performed several times per week help build muscle and decrease fat, which also helps reduce the appearance of cellulite.

If you’re do-it-yourself methods aren’t reducing the appearance of cellulite. Our team at Temecula Medical Group offers medical weight loss to help you reach a healthy weight and hormone replacement therapy to help manage fluctuating hormones that can lead to cellulite.

Contact us today to set up a consultation by calling our office, or request an appointment online.