Cellulite: what causes it and how it can be permanently treated remains an official mystery. As such the approach, surprisingly still, is by way of hypotheses and hearsay. Indeed doctors, fitness professionals and cosmetics companies alike all claim to have the answer. Sure the current methods available to us may alleviate some of the unsightly sponginess, yet when it comes to eradicating the appearance of cellulite altogether they fall well short.
Much to my relief, and yours too, I suspect, a team of scientists headed by Dr Enzo Emanuele at the University of Pavia in Italy have been busy researching the connection between cellulite and genetics. As a result they’ve identified levels of a particular enzyme, as well as a number of genes, that differ between women with cellulite and those without it.
After surveying 400 women as part of a preliminary test, results showed that the women with cellulite had higher levels of an enzyme that may hinder the blood flow in fat tissue. Tests suggested the enzyme might also be responsible for altering the structure and make-up of the tissue itself.
To further explain the impact the team noted, “This in turn would result in the formation of the complex network of hypodermal fibrous strands that characterizes cellulite.” Adding that one possible treatment could be the topical application of a cream designed to inhibit this enzyme. Dr Emanuele concluded by saying, “A well designed, evidence-based clinical trial is necessary to confirm or refute this hypothesis. If the results are positive, this would be the first example of an evidence-based approach to cellulite treatment based on the physiological understanding of cellulite.” Stay tuned.