"Cellulite occurs when fat deposits push through the connective tissue beneath the skin, giving it a lumpy, dimpled appearance. It usually affects the buttocks and thighs but can affect other areas as well, including the abdomen and upper arms," NYC dermatologist Hadley King, MD, told POPSUGAR.
Cellulite can affect both men and women, but it's more common in women due to the different distributions of fat, muscle, and connective tissue. She said, "Between 80 and 90 percent of women may experience cellulite at some point in their lives, which tells us that cellulite is very normal!"
So why might you get cellulite on your stomach, in particular?
- Hormones: Hormones likely play an important role in cellulite development, Dr. King explained. "Estrogen, insulin, noradrenaline, thyroid hormones, and prolactin all play a part in the formation of cellulite," which is another reason it's more prevalent in women.
- Your genes: Genetics are also a key factor in where you have cellulite, explained Bruce Katz, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and director of JUVA Skin & Laser Center in NYC. Some people are just more predisposed to it than others (you can thank your parents for that).
