Cellulite? Blame Your Hormones, Not Your Weight

Everyone has fat cells under their skin, whether they are old or young, curvaceous or slim. Cellulite occurs when these cells become imprisoned in collagen and elastin fibres, and can slow circulation and compress nerve endings, leaving them tender.

The orange-peel effect tends to be more prominent on overweight individuals but even those with as little as 14 per cent body fat can have cellulite.

Hormones are primarily responsible for regulating fat storage and metabolism in the subcutaneous fat layer, so cellulite often appears at times of hormonal change such as puberty, pregnancy or the menopause.

But food allergies, bad circulation, lack of exercise, an unhealthy diet and a poor lymphatic system could also all play a part.

To battle against cellulite you need to strengthen and hydrate the cells in your body’s connective tissue.

Brush your skin every day before bathing, drink plenty of water, include fresh fruit and essential fatty acids in your diet and exercise regularly.

Extracted from Naturally Gorgeous by Charlotte Vohtz, Ebury Press, Pounds 9.99..

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