Cellulite is incredibly common — it affects up to 90% of women and around 10% of men at some point in their lives. It appears as a dimpled, lumpy texture on the skin, most often on the thighs, buttocks, hips, and abdomen, and is caused by fat deposits pushing through the connective tissue beneath the skin.
Despite being completely harmless and a normal part of human anatomy, cellulite can affect how confident you feel in your own skin. Hormones, genetics, age, and lifestyle factors all play a role in how visible it is — and it can affect people of all body types and sizes.
Cellulite forms when fat cells accumulate beneath the skin and push against the connective tissue (fibrous bands called septae). When these bands pull down on the skin while fat pushes up, it creates the characteristic dimpled appearance. Several factors influence its development:
Hormones — oestrogen plays a key role in cellulite formation, which is why it is far more prevalent in women than men
Genetics — your genes influence your skin structure, body fat distribution, and metabolism, all of which affect cellulite
Age — skin loses elasticity over time, making cellulite more visible
Lifestyle — a sedentary lifestyle, poor circulation, and a diet high in fat and sugar can worsen the appearance of cellulite
While cellulite cannot always be eliminated entirely, a range of aesthetic treatments can significantly reduce its appearance and improve overall skin texture.
