Many people have issues with their body. For women one of the major issues is weight and more specifically, cellulite. This article will explain how cellulite is formed on the body, what factors go into its creation and what an individual can do to prevent cellulite from appearing or remove it after it has formed.

Cellulite is a common human body trait that is seen by some segments of the population as a disease. The term "cellulite" was created in 1973 and it referred to the dimpled skin that many have on their thighs, hips and buttocks. This appearance is most often seen on women because of deviations in the way muscle, fat and tissue are allocated in men and women's skin. Although women's hormones can play a role in furthering this fat distribution, cellulite cannot be treated by hormone therapy.

For society's purposes, cellulite is simply the lumpy substance some say resembles cottage cheese that is commonly found on the stomach, thighs and buttocks. Cellulite is actually a large name for what in fact is a collection of fat that pushes against the connective tissue underneath a person's skin. This causes the top of the skin to pucker and appear lumpy.

It is easy to check for cellulite. To see if you have it simply pinch the skin around your buttocks or upper thighs. If you see lumps or an uneven surface, you probably have some cellulite. It is actually a very common condition. Most women and girls report having cellulite somewhere on their bodies. Some men have it, as well.

Many factors influence the likelihood that a person will develop cellulite and how much they will have. Body type, age, gender, genes, skin thickness and the amount of fat on the body will all determine how much cellulite is generated on an individual's body. Those who wish to rid themselves of cellulite are fighting an up-hill battle. Regardless of the cause, cellulite is very difficult to remove. There is no special medicine or treatment that will quickly make cellulite dissipate. Many products and salons promise to remove cellulite when, in fact, the fix is just temporary. Massaging the skin can cause it to swell slightly which temporarily reduces cellulite's appearance on the skin. In addition, there are radical treatments such as liposuction, which surgically removes fat; however, these methods are expensive and temporary, as well.

In fact, the best way to decrease the appearance of an individual's cellulite is to reduce the amount of body fat overall. By exercising and reducing caloric intake, a person can not only change the size of their body, but also the visibility of cellulite.

Those who have cellulite are never happy to have it. It is a nuisance and is not necessarily an indication of obesity or poor health. Your doctor can recommend the best course of treatment to fight the appearance of cellulite. Most often, it will include a diet change and the use of both aerobic exercise and strength training. While it can certainly be a nuisance, cellulite is easy to mask or reduce with the right tools.