Cellulite is the lumpy, dimpled skin commonly seen around the hips, thighs, and sometimes the stomach. It can affect anyone regardless of body type. While it’s not harmful, many want to reduce its appearance.
This article examines ways to address stomach cellulite and its causes.
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What Causes Stomach Cellulite?
Cellulite happens when fatty tissue deep under the skin pushes against connective tissue, creating a bumpy texture. It can appear on any body part, including the stomach, where there’s more fat. Women are more prone to it, with up to 90% affected to some extent. Age, genetics, pregnancy, poor diet, inflammation, and weight fluctuations can all contribute.
Can Exercise Help Reduce Stomach Cellulite?
Exercise can help by reducing overall body fat, including cellulite. Spot treatments like crunches won’t target stomach cellulite effectively.
Instead, focus on fat-burning cardio exercises like brisk walking, jogging, biking, swimming, or dancing, along with strength training routines 2-3 times a week.
Abdominal exercises like crunches and planks can also help when combined with a healthy diet and cardio.
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) and strength training workouts are recommended for efficient results. Aim for 3-4 HIIT sessions a week and include full-body strength training exercises to build muscle and boost metabolism.
Remember, while exercise can minimize cellulite, it may not eliminate it completely. Consult your doctor before starting any new workout routine, especially if you have medical conditions or recently gave birth.
Are There Other Treatments for Stomach Cellulite?
While no treatment can fully eliminate cellulite, various methods can reduce its appearance, albeit temporarily. Common treatments include:
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Acoustic wave therapy (AWT): High-energy shock waves disrupt cellulite tissues, potentially boosting collagen and elasticity. Research suggests it’s effective and safe.
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Laser treatment: Improves blood flow and tightens skin, reducing cellulite appearance and decreasing fatty tissue over time.
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Massage: Professional massage improves circulation and lymphatic drainage, temporarily improving skin appearance. Foam rolling at home can offer similar benefits. You may also try cavitation machines like CaviPRO cellulite remover.
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Vacuum-assisted tissue release: Dermatologists use a device to cut through cellulite bands, allowing tissue to move upward and reduce dimpling. Short-term studies show promise, but long-term success requires more research.
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Subcision (Cellfina): Needles break up tough cellulite bands, providing up to 3 years of improvement. FDA cleared for thighs and buttocks only.
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Body wraps: Spa treatments with essential oils and creams may temporarily smooth and shrink fat cells, though any cellulite improvement is likely short-lived, primarily due to water weight loss.
How to Lose Stomach Cellulite With Diet
Diet plays a crucial role in reducing overall body fat, including belly fat. While you can still enjoy treats like pizza and ice cream in moderation, focusing on a nutritious diet is key. Registered dietitian Jessica Levings suggests including:
- Whole foods
- Complex carbs such as whole grains
- Adequate protein
- Healthy fats
Creating a moderate calorie deficit is important. Levings recommends consulting a registered dietitian for personalized guidance. If that’s not possible, you can calculate your daily calorie needs using a formula.
How to Prevent Stomach Cellulite
Preventing cellulite entirely is challenging, but you can take steps to limit its appearance:
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Stay hydrated: Drink at least 8 cups of water daily to flush toxins from your body.
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Eat fruits and vegetables: These hydrating foods can support overall hydration.
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Reduce processed and high-sugar foods: Cutting back on processed and sugary foods is essential as they can lead to toxin buildup and cellulite by expanding fat cells and spiking insulin levels, contributing to weight gain. Similarly, reducing alcohol intake, high in sugar, can help prevent abdominal fat accumulation.
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Maintain a healthy weight: Losing excess weight can shrink fat cells and reduce cellulite visibility.