Cellulite is not a different kind of fat, but it can be more visible than fat deeper in the body. Even thin people can have cellulite, because we all have layers of fat just below the surface of the skin. Collagen fibers that connect fat to the skin may stretch, break down, or pull tight, allowing the plump fat cells to bulge out. This creates the rippled look of cellulite.

Heredity may play a part in whether or not you have cellulite. A poor diet, "fad" dieting, sluggish metabolism, hormone fluctuations, and even dehydration may play a role. A great deal of money is spent by people who want to rid themselves of cellulite, but no amount of weight reduction, exercise, massages, wraps, creams, supplements, or surgery has proven to effectively eliminate it once you have it. Liposuction, for instance, is not recommended for cellulite, and may even make it look worse.

Although many dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons recognize cellulite as a legitimate problem that patients seek to have them "cure", most of the medical community doesn't view cellulite as a disorder, but as a normal condition of many women, and some men.

The best way to avoid cellulite may be to use common-sense measures:

• Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber
• Stay hydrated with plenty of fluids
• Exercise regularly to keep muscles toned and bones strong
• Maintain a healthy weight (no yo-yo dieting)
• Don't smoke