Cellulite

The role of hormones is important. The action carried out by the ovarian, pituitary, and thyroid hormones is fundamental.

During puberty, female secondary sexual characteristics are defined, such as the enlargement of the pelvis, to a more accentuated localization of fat at the level of the buttocks, thighs, and hips, and the development of the mammary glands, due to the intervention of estrogens which also contribute to making the tissues richer in water.

If these modifications remain within certain limits there is no problem, but when they exceed, problematic conditions might arise. Furthermore, if the menstrual irregularities, typical of this age, are important, a predisposing terrain is determined for the onset of cellulite and its accentuation.

During pregnancy, there is a delicate hormonal condition often associated with other factors, such as constipation, increased abdominal pressure, a slowdown in blood circulation in the lower limbs, and a sedentary lifestyle: factors that can contribute to the development of cellulite.

There is a family predisposition linked to genetic factors, greater hormonal sensitivity, and a certain capillary fragility, at the origin of cellulite.

Ethnic, and racial conditions and familiar eating behaviours influence its onset.

The frenetic life and all related bad habits, such as the abuse of smoke or coffee, sudden changes in biorhythms, exaggerated physical and mental fatigue, and poor night rest, are all conditions that contribute to determining the onset of cellulite. Stress causes a whole series of influences on the body.

The use of unsuitable shoes, or heels that are too high, force the foot into an unnatural position, causing an overload for the forefoot; footwear that has a too narrow and rigid toe can deform the shape of the foot. Over time, cellulite develops at the level of the ankles and calves.

We must try not to alter the physiological curve of the spine, for example by walking in shoes with too high heels, because any modification causes a whole series of problems. Situations that involve a variation of the physiological curvature, as well as causing various serious disorders, can favour the manifestation of cellulite. An increase in abdominal volume, for example in pregnancy, acts on the rachis and causes a slowdown in the waste venous circulation, from the legs towards the centre, due to the compression exerted on the iliac vessels.