Does Building Muscle Get Rid of Cellulite?
Contents
Cellulite is a harmless skin condition that causes lumpy, dimpled flesh, most often on the thighs, hips, buttocks, and abdomen. It is extremely common: Cleveland Clinic says 80% to 90% of women who've gone through puberty have cellulite.
The exact cause isn't known. Fibrous bands under the skin pull down unevenly while fat pushes up, which creates the dimpled look. Hormones such as estrogen may also play a role.
In this article, I will look at whether building muscle can get rid of cellulite, and what actually helps.
Does Working Out Do Anything?
Working out consistently increases muscle mass, but does it get rid of cellulite? Not completely. Exercise can make it less noticeable, but no workout erases it. According to Healthline, it's impossible to get rid of cellulite completely, but you can minimize its appearance.
It explains that strength training, especially combined with diet and cardio, can reduce body fat and firm up muscles, which softens some of the dimpling.
Cleveland Clinic agrees that regular exercise increases muscle mass, which can flatten the look of cellulite. If you stop training and regain fat, the dimpling tends to become more visible again.
Even lean, fit people can have cellulite, because it depends on skin structure, not just body fat.
A Way to Combat Cellulite?
Diet does not directly cause cellulite, but gaining weight can make it more noticeable. Cleveland Clinic notes that diets high in calories, fat, carbohydrates, and salt are linked to a higher risk.
Some articles go further. A sponsored piece in The Daily Campus blames refined carbs like white bread, rice, and pasta for making cellulite look worse.
There is little direct research on single foods and cellulite, so you don't need to cut whole food groups. A balanced diet with plenty of vegetables and whole grains helps you manage your weight, which can make cellulite less visible. If you want to lose weight, the CDC suggests a gradual pace of about 1 to 2 pounds a week.
What About Medical Treatments?
Dermatologists offer several options. These include subcision, where a needle breaks up the bands under the skin, plus laser and acoustic wave treatments. Cleveland Clinic notes that the FDA has approved some procedures, such as Cellfina and Cellulaze.
Results vary and are often temporary. Liposuction is not a cellulite treatment, since it removes deeper fat rather than the bands that cause dimpling.
Conclusion
Building muscle won't get rid of cellulite, but it can make it less noticeable, especially combined with cardio and a healthy weight. Cellulite is normal and harmless, so treating it is a personal choice, not a health need.
If it bothers you, a board-certified dermatologist can explain which treatments fit your skin and budget. Thank you for reading the article.
Sources
- Cellulite: What It Is, Causes, Location & Treatment, Cleveland Clinic
- Steps for Losing Weight, CDC
