What Is the Difference Between Cellulite and a Fat Cell?

Although some people use them interchangeably, the terms "cellulite" and "fat cell" mean different things. Fat cells, also called adipocytes, are connective tissue cells that specialize in the manufacture and storage of fat. Cellulite refers to a visible condition on the skin's surface, a lumpy or dimpled appearance that sometimes is compared to an orange peel, cottage cheese or a quilted mattress.

Everyone has fat cells; however, fat cells vary in number and size, depending on how much fat is being stored or burned. As a person gains weight, existing fat cells become bloated and new ones are recruited to store the excess; as a person loses weight, those fat cells do not disappear, but they do shrink in size. Cellulite is caused by subcutaneous fat -- fat just under the skin -- protruding through gaps between the collagen fibers that connect the fatty layer to the skin. The fibers sometimes stretch, pull taut or degrade, causing a rippled effect on the surface of the skin. Any number of factors can contribute to the occurrence of cellulite, including hormones, age, gender, genetics, diet, weight fluctuation, dehydration and water retention.

Fat cells perform the necessary functions of storing energy, padding bones to absorb shock and insulating the body against cold. However, overeating, bad nutrition, lack of exercise, low metabolism and certain diseases and medications can cause a body to store too much fat. This can lead to overweight and obesity, which increase a person's risk for Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stroke, heart attacks, cancer, osteoarthritis, gallstones and sleep apnea. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, body fat should comprise about 20 percent of a woman's body weight; 30 percent or more is considered obese. In men, a healthy body fat percentage is 13 to 17 percent of body weight; 25 percent or more qualifies as obese. Cellulite, in and of itself, is not a health concern, but a harmless condition whose physical appearance distresses some people.

Fat cells are located throughout the body, collecting just under the skin and deep inside the abdomen, hips, limbs, neck and face. Cellulite, however, is a product of uneven distribution of fat as it protrudes close to the skin's surface. It usually occurs in the hips, thighs and buttocks and might be permanently visible or visible only when the flesh is pinched or compressed in some way.

Both genders have fat cells in their bodies; however, women tend to carry the excess in their hips and thighs, while men often carry it in their abdomens. The fat cells in both genders respond to diet, exercise and bodily functions. "...First off, this method is quite a lot about acquiring the correct information on the problem of cellulite, or in my condition, orange skin behind. When you join to the 'Kick-Butt Cellulite Redux' package you'll also receive 'The Cellulite Reduction Report.' Atlas, a credentialed personal instructor and actual fitness expert. This report has in-depth information on the most recent cellulite reduction scams making the rounds, and rescued me from throwing away money on the uncomfortable Lypomassage treatment facilities that just sprouted up where I live...". Cellulite, however, is usually a feminine condition, although some men do develop it. On average, men have thicker skin than women and the fibrous tissue supporting skin and fatty layer is structured differently between genders. The fibers connecting men's fat cells to skin layers are angled so they crisscross in a more supportive manner beneath the surface. In women, these fibers do not cross, which allows more space between fibers through which fat can protrude and present itself as cellulite. This is why some slender women have cellulite, while some overweight men do not.

If a patient has too much or too little body fat, a doctor may recommend a healthy diet and exercise regimen to adjust it, or address the medication or disease contributing to the problem. Liposuction -- surgical removal of fat -- decreases the number of fat cells in the body but does not address emotional or physical issues causing the excess body fat. Because cellulite is not considered a medical concern, general practitioners usually will not recommend treatment. The cosmetic community offers purported cellulite treatments in the form of creams, lasers and toxin removal procedures, but many are expensive and none have been approved overwhelmingly by the medical community. Liposuction, rather than helping, actually can worsen the appearance of cellulite by damaging or distorting supportive fibers. Healthy diet, exercise, plenty of fluids, not smoking and refraining from "yo-yo dieting" may help prevent or lessen the appearance of cellulite. Some cosmeticians also recommend the camouflaging effect of darker skin tones produced by self-tanning products.

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