Warning: Bump Ahead

IT8217;S probably Number One on any woman8217;s hate list, beating love handles and varicose veins. Cellulite is the first indication that...

IT8217;S probably Number One on any woman8217;s hate list, beating love handles and varicose veins. Cellulite is the first indication that however much we coddle and cosset ourselves, some things about our bodies are actually beyond our control. But before the salons and spas move in, here8217;s a roadmap for the bumpy way ahead.

What is cellulite anyway?
Cellulite is a series of ripples of fat cells and fibrous connective tissues under the skin. Usually found on the thighs and butt, especially in women, it has a characteristic pucker or 8216;orange peel8217; appearance. While some experts call it a normal human variation, some believe it underlines lifestyle problems.

8216;8216;Cellulite is more common in women than in men because of differences in the way fat, muscle and connective tissue are distributed in men and women8217;s skin,8217;8217; says Dr Shikha Sharma, Delhi-based weight management consultant.

That8217;s it? Cellulite is a biological whim?
Er8230; We wouldn8217;t go so far as to say that. Truth to tell, no one8217;s been able to pinpoint why cellulite happens. Speculative causes range from sedentary lifestyles, excessive toxin generating food, water retention and fat deposition. But weight is apparently not a factor because many sufferers are slim, while many severely obese people show no signs of it. Nor is age: Older people have more cellulite than younger people, but adolescents also get it.

But it can be treated, right? There are lotions, spa treatments8230;
Hate to lay a fond myth to rest, but here8217;s the truth: There is NO proven cure for cellulite. Shops sell dietary supplements, ads tout miracle cures, spas recommend massage treatments8212;there are even trousers that claim to bust cellulite. But experts firmly believe surface treatments are of no help whatsoever.

What about liposuction?
Nope, sorry. This technique of extracting fat by vacuuming it from under the skin is not effective for cellulite. In fact, liposuction may worsen the appearance of the skin by sucking out the cushion of fat that resides just under the skin. The result is additional dimpling.

	CELLULITE SAVVY

		The answer lies not in a bottle, but in five lifestyle changes: 8226; Pay attention to your diet and detoxify: Do not allow yourself to get dehydrated. Drink a regular amount of water 8226; Avoid excessive consumption of coffee, alcohol, and very high fat foods such as chocolate and candy 8226; Make sure your diet includes enough fibre, about 30 gm a day. Eat regular amounts of fresh fruit. Increase intake of natural foods 8226; Quit or cut down on smoking 8226; Avoid unnecessary medication, especially diet pills, uppers, sleeping pills, laxatives and diuretic pills 8226; Exercise regularly