Dear Lynn:

I have cellulite even though I eat a healthful diet, drink 3-4 quarts of water and exercise every day. What else can I do?
--Wanda

Dear Wanda:

Technically, cellulite is merely pockets of fat, not a particular type of fat. Cellulite is primarily due to genetics, and its appearance is caused by strands of fibrous tissue attached to the skin that pull the skin in and push fat out.

Most scientists believe that there is nothing short of weight control and exercise that will help keep cellulite under control. There is some slight evidence that smoking and caffeine may worsen the appearance of cellulite, possibly since they constrict blood vessels. The lotions and oils promoted to combat cellulite have never been proven to work. If you feel you can afford their often-high prices, it probably won't hurt to try them.

Cellulite appears to be one of the many aspects of our body shape that, thanks to genetics, we can't change. Focus on the positive steps you can take toward health: weight control, exercise, drinking plenty of fluids, not smoking, and avoiding caffeine.

Sincerely,
Lynn Grieger, RD, CDE