What Is the Difference between Cellulite and Fat?

The difference between cellulite and fat is that cellulite is the term given to describe physical dimpling of skin, and fat is what cushions the body and, in general, acts as a store for energy. Cellulite and fat are linked because they essentially have a cause and effect relationship. This relationship between cellulite and fat is demonstrated by how cellulite forms. Basically, cellulite is the result of how fat deposits in the body. In essence, then, it can be said that fat causes cellulite, even though other factors, such as genes, contribute to the accumulation of cellulite as well.

There are two type of fat: subcutaneous and visceral. Subcutaneous fat lies beneath the skin, between the skin and muscles, and visceral fat lies deeper in the body, beneath the muscles. Visceral fat is found in the abdominal cavity and fills in the spaces between organs. Both men and women have subcutaneous and visceral fat, but women tend to have more subcutaneous fat than men, which leads them to acquire more cellulite as well.

Although cellulite is a very common condition, the reason why women are usually more affected is that different sexes accumulate fat in different areas. The most common areas where cellulite appears are around the buttocks, hips and thighs, as well as the abdomen, breasts and upper arms. As women, in general, accumulate more fat in these areas than men, especially in the buttocks, hips and thighs, it is reasonable to expect that they exhibit more cellulite, too.

It is the way fat deposits in the body that causes the appearance of cellulite. Basically, the skin attaches to the muscle with fibrous cords. Fat lies between the skin and muscle, and as fat cells accumulate or enlarge, they push up at the skin. At the same time, the fibrous cords hold and pull the skin down. This pushing and pulling in different directions causes the dimpling of the skin that we call cellulite.

Although there is a relationship between cellulite and fat, there are other contributors to the accumulation of cellulite, such as aging, inactivity and stress. So while obesity or weight gain might affect the appearance of cellulite, even lean people exhibit the dimpling as well. The appearance of cellulite can range from mild to severe. Fat can cause a variety of health risks but cellulite is usually only viewed as unsightly and not as a serious medical condition.