LONDON: A new study has revealed that weight loss could result in some women getting cellulite, the deposits of subcutaneous fat and fibrous tissue that create a dimpling effect on the overlying skin.
It has been the accepted norm that a battle against cellulite, or the "orange peel" effect, comprised weight loss but details of new research published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, suggested that measures to reduce weight could make cellulite worse for some.
Women who were significantly overweight looked better after losing extra fat. But, cellulite was found to cause a problem for leaner women who shed weight. They ended up with looser skin and worse cellulite.
The findings are based on a study of 29 women who enrolled in medically supervised weight loss programs. The regimen included low-fat meals and the extreme measure of bariatric surgery, such as gastric bypass and gastric banding. Seventeen of these women (58 per cent) had seen improvement in the appearance of their cellulite, while nine (31 per cent) saw a deterioration in their condition.
The women who had the highest level of improvement were those who lost the most weight and lowered their percentage of thigh fat. They also had a higher body mass index to begin with and more severe cellulite.
Women whose cellulite worsened started with a "significantly" lower BMI, lost smaller amounts of weight and had no change in percentage of thigh fat. The average weight loss was 13.8 kilograms.
According to John Kitzmiller, a plastic surgeon and co-author of the study, nearly 85 per cent of women are affected by cellulite and it is not specific to overweight people but excess weight may worsen the condition.
He said, "Although the appearance of cellulite diminished for the majority of patients, weight loss did not totally eradicate the condition. The dimples appear to be permanent features that lessen in depth as the pounds come off."
Skin elasticity after weight loss also had an important role in improving the appearance of cellulite, said Kitzmiller. Cellulite worsened in those whose skin became looser after weight loss.
"There is no answer for completely eliminating cellulite, however, it appears the more weight one loses, the better its appearance," said Kitzmiller.
Cellulite, which can develop on the stomach, thighs and hips of both men and women, is caused when fat, fluids and toxins get trapped beneath the skin and the bands of fibrous tissue that connect muscles to skin get hard and tight and the fat is compressed. This causes the dimpling effect. It can be controlled to some extent by exercises and drinking of plenty of water.
