In humans and animals, adipose or fatty tissue is the body’s way of storing metabolic energy over extended periods. Depending on current physiological conditions, fat cells or adipocytes either store fat that is derived from the diet or liver metabolism, or release stored fat as fatty acids in times of additional energy requirement. These metabolic activities are regulated by several hormones, of which insulin, glucagon and cortisol play the dominant role.
What is cellulite (Circumferential fat)?
Cellulite is the dimpled appearance of the skin that some people have on their hips, thighs, and buttocks. Cellulite is much more common in women than in men because of differences in the way fat cells, muscle, and connective tissue are distributed in men’s and women’s skin. Fat deposits that push and distort the connective tissues beneath skin cause the appearance of lumpiness, leading to the characteristic “cottage cheese” changes in the appearance of the skin.
What causes cellulite?
The dimpled appearance of cellulite is a normal variant — one way that many perfectly normal human beings look. Heredity, skin thickness, gender, the amount and distribution of body fat, and age can all influence the extent to which cellulite is present or visible. Cellulite occurs due to shrinkage or shortening of the fibrous tissue cords that anchor the skin.