Weight Loss May Make Cellulite Better (Or Worse!)

The August issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (the official journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons) reports that as many as 85% of women are affected by cellulite. They also report that, while cellulite is not found only in overweight women, excess weight may make cellulite worse.

This study followed 29 women who underwent a medically supervised weight loss program which included liquid diets, low-fat meals, weight-loss medication, and weight loss (bariatric) surgery. The average weight loss was 30.5 pounds. 17 participants found that their cellulite improved.

But, surprisingly, nine of the women found that their cellulite worsened.

Those patients who lost the largest amounts of weight, especially on their thighs, demonstrated the greatest visible improvement in cellulite. These patients tended to be much heavier, and to have more severe cellulite overall.

Patients for whom their cellulite worsened with weight loss tended to have been somewhat lighter, to have loss less weight, and to have had little or no change in their percentage of thigh fat.

Generally speaking, this study finds that the more weight one loses, the less obvious cellulite becomes. While the cellulite dimples are still visible, they become more shallow as more weight is lost.

Other strategies for managing cellulite

Mesotherapy: A cure for cellulite?

Rejuvalift receives FDA approval for treatment of cellulite