Why is it Gender-specific?
Around 85-90% of all post-pubescent women have cellulite while in men, it is merely around 10%. This pattern of sex associated presentation is explained based on two attributes:
- The fat distribution pattern: By default, the female body is designed to accumulate abundant fat in the pelvic and breast region that supports the body in times of pregnancy and lactation. These adipose deposits serve as calorie reserves to be spent when the need arises. While in men, the fat accumulation is largely in the abdomen region.
- The connective tissue architecture: In addition to the fat distribution pattern, in females with cellulite, the connective tissue bands exist primarily in a perpendicular fashion to the skin, as opposed to the predominant 45 degrees angled bands in males. This is known as structural dimorphism.
- The thickness of the subcutaneous fat layer: As proved by research, females also happens to have a thicker superficial fat layer than males.
- The thickness of skin: In males, a thick outer skin, prevents bulging and conceals the lobulated fat if any.