Definition
Changes in the subcutaneous fatty tissue (subcutaneous adipose tissue) in the context of so-called cellulite cause a dentlike deformation of the skin. Morphologically, the surface resembles an orange peel, from which the name “orange peel” is derived, which is also frequently used. It is not a non-inflammatory change without disease value.
Cellulite occurs almost exclusively in women. Frequent localization are the thighs and the skin in the area of the buttocks. The frequency increases with age, whereby weak connective tissue and high body weight favour cellulite at a young age.
In general, a healthy lifestyle reduces the occurrence of cellulite. This includes avoiding risk factors such as overweight and smoking, as well as sufficient physical exercise. Sport reduces the amount of subcutaneous fat tissue and promotes the formation and maintenance of intact connective tissue.
What are the risk factors?
The appearance of cellulite is favored by various factors. Some of them are avoidable, while others are due to a genetic predisposition. The female structure of the subcutaneous fatty tissue is hormonal and differs from that of the male.
It has a significantly higher predisposition for the development of cellulite. According to the current state of knowledge, a genetic predisposition with regard to elasticity and connective tissue strength also plays a role. Reduced elasticity and weak connective tissue can be associated with a higher risk of cellulite.
Although there is no influence on gender and genetic predisposition, other risk factors can be avoided. These include obesity (overweight), smoking and lack of physical exercise. During pregnancy and the resulting weight fluctuations, the structure of the subcutaneous fatty tissue changes and promotes the occurrence of cellulite.
Furthermore, the possible influence of medication, such as oral contraceptives, is discussed. The subcutaneous adipose tissue has a lattice-like structure and has a hormonal distribution typical of the female sex with a concentration on the hip and thigh area. Collagen strands between the fat cells are responsible for the lattice-like structure.
Weak connective tissue strands cancel out the original shape of the grid. The cells increasingly bulge outwards. A dimpled image is formed.
An enlargement of the fat cells due to increased fat storage and microcirculation disturbances at the level of blood vessels and lymph drainage also cause the formation of a similar morphological picture. With increasing age, the thickness of the skin, its elasticity and the fluid content decreases (see: Skin changes with age). In this context the original lattice structure is lost. Cellulite dents occur.
