Cellulite is a condition in which the skin appears to have areas with underlying fat deposits, giving it a dimpled, lumpy appearance.
Cellulite is more common in women, but can men get cellulite too? The answer is yes, men can get cellulite, although it’s less common.
What is Cellulite?
Cellulite is a cosmetic condition that affects the skin’s surface, usually around the thighs, hips, buttocks, and stomach.
It’s caused by a collection of fat cells that push against the connective tissue under the skin’s surface, creating a dimpled appearance. In women, the connective tissue is arranged in parallel rows, making it easier for fat cells to get trapped and push through. In men, the connective tissue forms a criss-cross pattern, which makes it harder for fat cells to create the dimpled effect.
Why is Cellulite More Common in Women Than Men?
Estrogen is the hormone responsible for the distribution of fat in the female body. Women have more estrogen than men, which means they store more fat around their hips, buttocks, and thighs.
This excess of fat can lead to the appearance of cellulite on the skin’s surface. Men, on the other hand, have less estrogen than women, which makes it harder for them to develop cellulite.
What are the Risk Factors for Cellulite in Men?
Even though cellulite is less common in men, there are several risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing it:.
- Age
- Obesity
- Poor diet
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Smoking
- Stress
Men who have weak connective tissue or poor circulation in the affected areas may also be more prone to cellulite.
How Can Men Get Rid of Cellulite?
While there’s no surefire way to completely get rid of cellulite, there are several lifestyle changes that men can make to reduce its appearance:.
- Eating a healthy diet
- Exercising regularly to improve circulation and tone muscles
- Reducing stress through relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga
- Stopping smoking
- Maintaining a healthy weight
Men who are struggling with stubborn cellulite may also consider cosmetic treatments, such as laser therapy, radiofrequency, or a technique called Cellfina, which is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small needle-sized device to cut the connective bands under the skin, eliminating the dimpled effect.
The Bottom Line
While cellulite is more common in women, men can get it too. The condition is caused by a collection of fat cells that push against the connective tissue under the skin’s surface, creating a dimpled appearance.
Men can reduce the appearance of cellulite through lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising, and reducing stress. For more stubborn cases, cosmetic treatments may be an option.