Cellulite cure not available

     By Kim Springer
     View columnist
      The word "cellulite" is still being thrown around in the media and fitness industries.
      It refers to deposits of fat found on women's thighs and rear ends and often is described as looking like an orange peel or cottage cheese.
      Why are we so obsessed with cellulite?
      The word "cellulite" was only recently created to describe these fatty deposits found on most women's thighs. Underneath the first layer of skin, there are other layers which overlap, creating a matrix-like layer similar to a linen cloth.
      When fat is stored in this area, sometimes the fat squeezes between these fibers causing a bumpy appearance.
      There is no current research that documents any connection between the appearance of cellulite and a person's health or physical fitness level. However, the media has labeled this fat as problematic and many women are obsessed with reducing or getting rid of these fatty bumps and dimples.
      What causes cellulite? You might assume that only very heavy women have cellulite on their thighs, but cellulite is unbiased. Even the thinnest of women can have cellulite on their thighs.
      Working out and dieting can only reduce the appearance of cellulite to a certain degree, as genetics plays a large factor in whether or not you will have this "condition."
      Calling cellulite a condition is rather a joke, as it poses no risk to your health if you have a healthy body composition. A healthy body composition for females is anywhere from 18-24 percent.
      Athletes have lower body fat ratios, but this is because of their extreme activity levels. A body fat percentage lower than 17 percent can have unhealthy side effects.
      Cellulite is also being attributed to the foods we eat and the environment in which we live. One cellulite "expert" tried to convince me that cellulite is nothing but stored toxins in the body and by reducing the amount of processed foods eaten, the cellulite would diminish.
      Of course, if you were to limit your intake of processed foods, your fat intake would also probably drop, therefore causing a small reduction in weight or body fat.
      As of yet, there are no scientific findings to deny or confirm any hypothesis on why cellulite forms on the lower body and predominately in women.
      There are several new products on the market that claim they help reduce cellulite internally. The new cellulite pills are not FDA approved and research studies have not been conclusive as to their effectiveness.
      If you are planing on trying one of these products, please read the small print. One product in particular contains high levels of iodine and warns that it might cause complications with those taking blood thinners.
      The new cellulite pills on the market are not cheap, either. An eight-week treatment -- three pills a day -- might cost you upwards of $200, plus you have to continue taking one pill a day indefinitely to maintain your results.
      If you are exercising and watching what you eat, you might be one of the lucky ones who sees results with these products. Until further studies are done, it would probably be best to stick with the proven method of reducing fat: exercise and a healthy diet.
      Remember that the majority of women do have cellulite.
      If you are comparing yourself to models in a magazine, remember this is not reality. Even Cindy Crawford once said her legs were airbrushed for a magazine cover to appear thinner and smoother.
      Instead of obsessing over one body area, why not focus on all of your other positive attributes.
      Cellulite is not a disease, and as women, we should not let the media bully us into thinking so.
     
     Kim Springer and her husband, Mike, are certified by ACE, NASM and ACSM as personal trainers. They can be reached at 233-9442, by fax at 233-9446 or by e-mail at springtrain@netscape.net.