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Risk factors
By Mayo Clinic staffCellulite is much more common in women than in men. In fact, the majority of women — at least eight out of 10 — have some degree of cellulite. This is because fat is typically distributed in women in the thighs, hips and buttocks — common areas for cellulite. In addition, cellulite is more common with aging, when the skin loses some of its elasticity.
Weight gain can make cellulite more noticeable, but cellulite may still be present in lean individuals. It tends to run in families, so genetics may play the biggest role in whether you develop cellulite.
Other factors that may increase your chances of having cellulite include:
- Stress
- An inactive lifestyle
- Using hormonal contraceptives
- Avram MM. Cellulite: A review of its physiology and treatment. Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy. 2004;6:181.
- Taub AF. Procedures offered in the medical spa environment. Dermatologic Clinics. 2008;26:341.
- Sakamoto FH, et al. Lasers and flashlamps in dermatology. In: Wolff K, et al. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 7th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2008. http://accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3005477&searchStr=cellulite. Accessed Nov. 17, 2008.
- Rawlings AV. Cellulite and its treatment. International Journal of Cosmetic Science. 2006;28:175.
- Goldberg DJ, et al. Clinical, laboratory, and MRI analysis of cellulite treatment with a unipolar radiofrequency device. Dermatologic Surgery. 2008;34:204.
- Cellulite formula. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed Nov. 24, 2008.
- Wollina U, et al. Esthetic and cosmetic dermatology. Dermatologic Therapy. 2008;21:118.
