Pounds may disappear yet cellulite remains

Weight loss may decrease the severity of cellulite for some women, but may worsen the condition for others, reports the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Arlington Heights, Ill.

"Approximately 85% of women are affected by cellulite," indicates study co-author John Kitzmiller. "Cellulite is not specific to overweight people, but excess weight may worsen the condition. We found that weight loss in overweight patients improved the appearance of cellulite but, for a few, it actually worsened the condition."

The study examined women in medically supervised weight-loss programs, which include low-fat meals, liquid diets, medication, and bariatric surgery. Some 59% of patients experienced an improvement in the appearance of their cellulite, while 41% worsened. The average weight loss was 30.5 pounds.

Patients who lost larger amounts of weight and lowered their percentage of thigh fat experienced the greatest improvement in cellulite. These patients had a significantly higher starting body mass index and had more severe cellulite on average. Patients whose cellulite worsened started with a significantly lower BMI count, lost smaller amounts of weight, and had no change in percentage of thigh fat. Skin elasticity after weight loss also played an important role in improving the appearance of cellulite. Cellulite worsened in those whose skin became significantly looser after weight loss.

"There is no answer for completely eliminating cellulite. However, it appears the more weight one loses, the better its appearance," notes Kitzmiller. "Although the appearance of cellulite diminished for the majority of patients, weight loss did not totally eradicate the condition. The dimples appear to be permanent features that lessen in depth as the pounds come off."

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