If you're embarrassed by the "cottage cheese" around your thighs and rear, you're not the only one. Millions of people suffer from this unattractive problem called cellulite. Cellulite tends to accumulate across the stomach, thighs, and rear area, and both males and females can get it. But sadly it's much more widespread in women than in men. The dimply, cottage cheese structure is very visible because fat deposits press against the connective tissues causing the skin surface to dimple.

There are three grades of cellulite. Grade one is moderate, producing only changes in cells. With grade two the skin can be pasty and fat tissues get lower in temperature and much less elastic. Grade three is actually grade two but with the skin appearing much rougher.

So how exactly does cellulite form to start with?

Most people are stunned as soon as they first see those ugly lumps in the mirror, that appear to have come from nowhere. Most want to know what they did to lead to it. However, there are numerous elements that may promote cellulite. Many experts believe that gender, genetics, hormones, volume of body fat, along with diet and lifestyle choices can all lead to cellulite.

Significant contributing factors are the hormones insulin and estrogen along with being predisposed genetically to producing cellulite. What you eat and surprisingly, what you wear could cause cellulite too. Eating excessively and eating foods elevated in carbs, sodium and fat are all contributing factors to getting cellulite. Further causes are lack of exercise, smoking and constrained clothing.

There are numerous so called "cures" for cellulite, there is however no scientific proof to back these claims. Several common treatments entail injecting the problem areas with drugs and enzymes. Besides this being painful and costly, but these treatments have not been validated to work. Massage is another popular treatment, but does nothing more than puff up the skin in the short term. Liposuction fails given it eliminates the deep layers of fat rather than the fat at the surface of the skin.

But, there is a new anti cellulite cream that does show some hope. Studies by major universities have found it to 'deflate' fat cells like a balloon. This anti cellulite cream is somewhat new and more studies may be needed to find out if it truly works. For now, it appears that the only surefire strategy to minimize cellulite is good ole' fashion diet and exercise...and maybe a new anti cellulite cream.