Weight Loss Doesn't Always Eliminate Cellulite

August 18, 2006
Cellulite is a problem that plagues approximately 85 percent of all women – big and small alike. Many women, particularly those who are overweight, have hope in the belief that the appearance of cellulite will diminish with weight loss.

Now, however, a new study has shown that this may not necessarily be the case. “We found that weight loss in overweight patients improved the appearance of cellulite, but for a few, it actually worsened the condition,” said Dr. John Kitzmiller, co-author of the study.

The Cellulite Study

Researchers examined 29 women who were participating in weight loss programs involving low-fat or liquid diets and medication or bariatric surgery. Nine of those patients experienced worsened cellulite after losing weight.

According to the research, the average amount of weight loss was a little more than 30 pounds – with the overall range between 2.3 and 102 pounds.

Those who began with a higher body mass index (BMI) and lost larger amounts of weight experienced the greatest improvement in cellulite appearance. Women who began with a lower BMI and lost less weight experienced the opposite outcome.

Doctors also found that skin elasticity played a significant role in the appearance of cellulite - The looser the skin after weight loss, the worse the appearance of cellulite.

“There is no answer for completely eliminating cellulite. However, it appears the more weight one loses, the better its appearance. Although the appearance of cellulite diminished for the majority of patients, weight loss did not totally eradicate the condition,” Dr. Kitzmiller said.

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