Does Losing Weight Get Rid of Cellulite? (Expert’s Opinion)

Cellulite occurs because of excess fat deposits in areas where there’s a network of connective tissues covered by a thin skin layer.

Cellulite happens when connective fibers underneath the skin become weak or loose. There’s a fat layer that contains fibrous connective tissue.

Over time, this tissue degenerates, and cellulite forms.

"Fat pushes between the connective tissue beneath the skin, making the surface of the skin pucker and look lumpy. Most women have cellulite of some description or indeed will get it at some point in their lives, and having it does not mean you are unhealthy."

- Dr. Ross Perry, Medical Director at Cosmedics Skin Clinic

About 80% to 90% of women have a certain amount of cellulite because their bodies are made up of 25% of fat. On the other hand, only 10% to 15% of man’s bodies are made up of fat, so a lower number of men have cellulite.

Women's higher estrogen levels affect how their fat cells behave, contributing to cellulite development, especially as estrogen levels increase with age.

In addition to physical aspects, it's important to address the psychological impact of cellulite, such as lowered self-esteem or social anxiety, which many individuals experience but often goes unspoken in discussions about cellulite.

Other reasons why cellulite forms include:

You can never eliminate cellulite, but you can strengthen the connective tissue over the body. This is especially important if you’re in the process of losing weight.

You can do several treatments to keep the skin supple and cure cellulite.

1. Lymphatic Draining Massage

Lymphatic draining massage is one of the best cellulite treatments. It works on the lymphatic blood vessels and removes cellulite.

As an MMA fighter, I've found lymphatic draining massages crucial for recovery and noticed they also help in reducing cellulite.

A Brazilian study published in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology found that ten hour-long sessions of this massage over two and a half weeks had improved cellulite look [1].

This massage also improves the skin’s overall appearance and temperature.

If you don’t have time for this massage, you can try a five-minute home massage a couple of times a week.

2. Water

Lack of water can make cellulite worse because you aren’t flushing toxins out of your body. Drinking water and a healthy diet will keep your skin looking fresh and youthful.

In my training routine, staying hydrated is key; I've observed it not only boosts performance but also aids in reducing cellulite.

It’s recommended to have 6 to 8 glasses of water a day, which is about 1.5l a day.

Note: Don’t drink too much water, as this will have the opposite effect and cause swelling of cellulite instead of reducing cellulite.