Cellulite cannot be erased for good, but you can make it far less visible. It forms when fat pushes against the fibrous bands beneath your skin, so the most effective approach combines lowering body fat, building muscle and a treatment that works on the area directly — such as London Weight Management's signature ezSlim™ treatment, which is designed to target stubborn fat and cellulite and firm the body line.
If you have noticed dimpling on your thighs or buttocks, you are far from alone, and it is not a sign that you are unhealthy or doing something wrong. Here is what causes it, which popular fixes do not work, and what does.
What is cellulite?
Cleveland Clinic describes cellulite as collections of fat that push against the connective tissue beneath your skin, creating a dimpled, "orange peel" look. It is most noticeable on the thighs, hips and buttocks.
It is extremely common: between 80 and 90 per cent of women who have gone through puberty have cellulite, compared with fewer than 10 per cent of men. Cleveland Clinic also notes that cellulite does not affect your physical health, and it does not hurt.
Image: Illustration of cellulite dimpling on the back of the thigh
Why women get cellulite
According to Cleveland Clinic, several factors make cellulite more likely in women:
- Skin structure. In women, the fibres connecting skin to muscle run in parallel, so fat pushes up between them more easily; in men, they form a criss-cross pattern.
- Hormones. Higher levels of the hormone oestrogen may play a part.
- Genetics and age, which influence skin thickness and how fat is stored.
- Body fat percentage. Extra weight can make cellulite more visible, although slim women get it too.
This is also why thighs that rub together and cellulite often go hand in hand — both reflect where the female body is built to store fat.
Cellulite myths to ignore
- "Creams can melt it away." The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says caffeine creams need daily use for a temporary effect, and retinol creams take six months or more to show modest results.
- "A supplement can fix it." The AAD states there is no evidence that any supplement can reduce cellulite — see do slimming pills, teas and fat burners work.
- "Liposuction removes cellulite." The AAD does not recommend liposuction for cellulite, as it can make dimpling more obvious.
- "Only overweight women get it." Cellulite affects women of every size, including very fit and active women.
Habits that make cellulite less visible
Lifestyle changes will not remove cellulite on their own, but they can improve how the skin looks.
- Lower your body fat gradually. The AAD notes that people who are overweight may find their cellulite improves with weight loss, and HealthHub recommends losing no more than 0.5 to 1 kilogram a week.
- Build muscle in your legs and glutes. Strength training firms the area beneath the skin — squats, lunges and bridges are a good start — and HealthHub recommends muscle-strengthening activity two days a week.
- Eat fewer processed, salty foods. Cleveland Clinic suggests cutting back on processed foods high in salt and fat, and less salt also helps with puffiness — see lymphatic drainage massage for water retention.
- Keep moving through the day. Regular activity supports weight management and helps your legs feel lighter.
Image: Orange peel texture, a visual comparison for the dimpled appearance of cellulite
How ezSlim™ targets stubborn fat and cellulite
ezSlim™, London Weight Management's award-winning signature slimming treatment, is designed to burn stubborn fat, target cellulite, and firm and contour the body line in the areas you choose, such as the arms, tummy, thighs, hips or buttocks. It is painless and non-invasive with no downtime, and delivers up to 7cm loss in a 30-minute session.
Image: London Weight Management consultant carrying out a computerised body analysis before a cellulite treatment
Each programme begins with a computerised body analysis, so your consultant can tailor treatments to how your body stores fat. When water retention is also making your legs look heavier, BioDetox can be combined to boost full-body fat burning and lymphatic circulation. You can explore all of London Weight Management's non-invasive treatments.
Key Takeaways
- Cellulite is fat pushing against the connective tissue under the skin, creating a dimpled look.
- Between 80 and 90 per cent of women who have been through puberty have cellulite, and it is not harmful.
- Women's parallel connective tissue fibres, oestrogen, genetics and age all make cellulite more likely.
- There is no evidence that supplements reduce cellulite, and creams give only modest or temporary results.
- Gradual fat loss and strength training can make cellulite less visible, but rarely remove it completely.
- For cellulite on stubborn areas such as the thighs, a targeted non-invasive treatment such as ezSlim™ is the most direct and effective solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can cellulite go away completely?
Cleveland Clinic notes that you cannot completely get rid of cellulite, but you can improve its appearance. Combining advanced technology with powerful ampoules and creams such as the award-winning ezSlim™ treatment gives the most visible change.
Why do I have cellulite when I am slim?
Cellulite is linked to skin structure, hormones and genetics as well as body fat, so slim and active women get it too. Building muscle and firming the area can help the skin look smoother.
Does exercise get rid of cellulite?
Exercise will not remove cellulite on its own, but strength training firms the muscle beneath the skin and helps lower body fat, which can make dimpling less noticeable.
What is the best cellulite treatment in Singapore?
The best option depends on your body, your budget and how much time you can commit. Look for a provider who assesses your body first and explains realistic results. At London Weight Management, the non-invasive ezSlim™ treatment targets stubborn fat and cellulite with no downtime.
Smooth and firm your problem areas
London Weight Management's consultants can analyse your body composition and customise a non-invasive plan for cellulite and stubborn fat burning on your thighs, hips and buttocks. The award-winning brand has focused exclusively on women’s slimming and wellness transformation since 2001, with effortless and effective treatment solutions.
