Cellulite...Is It Inherited?

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Almost ninety percent of women over the eighteen have some degree of cellulite – and most aren’t happy about it. Even women who exercise religiously and have low levels of body fat aren’t immune to cottage cheese skin. Unfortunately, if you look at your mom’s thighs and see those puffy little bumps, there’s a good chance they’re in your future too – which leads to the burning question – is cellulite genetic?

What Causes Cellulite?

Cellulite is subcutaneous fat that lies just underneath the skin. This layer of fat is normally held in place by an organized network of elastic bands that run over top of it. In men these bands are laid out in a diagonal configuration which is pretty effective for keeping the fat constrained.

In women these bands have a vertical configuration and as the bands lose their elasticity with aging, they push down on the superficial fat – causing it to poke through the openings in the bands. The result is cottage cheese skin and cellulite. Other factors that play a role in the development of cellulite are bad venous circulation and chronic inflammation.

There’s another reason men are less likely to get cellulite. They have lower levels of estrogen – a female hormone which, among other things, plays a role in how much cottage cheese skin ends up on the thighs. Men who produce too much estrogen due to conditions such as liver disease are also prone to cellulite.

Is Cellulite Genetic?

If your mom has cellulite are you destined to get it too? The elastic bands that help to keep the superficial fat from poking out and causing cottage cheese thighs, not surprisingly, comes from mom and dad’s genes. Plus, each person inherits a tendency to deposit fat in certain areas - which plays a role in how much cellulite they get.

If You Have the Propensity to Cellulite, Are There Natural Ways to Prevent It?

Regular aerobic and resistance training workouts help to build more lean body mass, increase circulation, and reduce total body fat which may reduce the appearance of cottage cheese skin - although they’re not a cure. Some experts believe that eating an anti-inflammatory diet that’s high in antioxidants helps to control cellulite – although this hasn’t been adequately studied. Smoking can also contribute to cellulite by increasing the breakdown of collagen.

Do Instant Cellulite Fixes Work?

You’ve probably seen various creams – some of which contain caffeine derivatives – that supposedly break down subcutaneous fat and reduce the appearance of cellulite - but there’s little proof that they work and if they do the cottage cheese skin would likely reappear once they’re stopped. There’s also no proof that the herbal supplement Cellasene, which was once so popular, is effective. One treatment that could offer some benefits is prescription strength retinoids – although this hasn’t been adequately studied yet.

Is Cellulite Genetic?: The Bottom Line

There is a strong genetic tendency towards cellulite, but staying active and eating an anti-inflammatory diet can help to minimize the appearance of cottage cheese skin. Cellulite creams? Don’t waste your money.

By Dr. Kristie. References:
International Journal of Cosmetic Science. Volume 28 Issue 3, Pages 157 - 167